Chapter 331

“I don’t know,” Sheila replied, her face paling. “It can’t be that the Frazier family is stronger than us now.”

The Nichols family had always been the dominant force in Seamar City. Everyone in the business circle knew that. The Frazier family, on the other hand, had long been in decline. She didn’t understand why Juan even suggested they were now a force to be reckoned with.

“Mrs. Nichols Sr., you disrupted all of Mr. Nichols’ plans today,” Joe said in frustration before hurrying after Juan.

“Mrs. Nichols Sr., don’t take it to heart. It’s all…” Sheila began, attempting to appease Melody.

But the latter slapped her.

Melody snapped, “It’s all because you seduced Juan. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be such a scandal.”

Sheila was furious but dared not speak. After all, she wasn’t yet married to Juan and still needed Melody’s help to secure her position.

She bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly. “I know my relationship with Juan isn’t honorable, but that night, he forced himself on me. Now, I’m carrying his child. We can’t let the child be without a family name and unable to join the family, can we?”

Melody, who valued bloodline above all else, finally calmed down somewhat. “If Debra had a child back then, do you think there would be any place for you now?”

With that, she turned and walked away. Sheila was unhappy, but she didn’t dare defy Melody.

She immediately followed Melody, saying, “Mrs. Nichols Sr., don’t worry. Once Juan and I are married, I will help him with his work. After all, I graduated from Arcane Academy and was sponsored by Juan. I won’t forget his kindness and will take good care of you. If you want, I can stay at home and raise our children.”

Melody, who looked down on women of Sheila’s background, didn’t bother responding.

In her car, Debra watched as Melody deliberately left Sheila outside. She found the scene amusing. Melody hadn’t changed at all, still looking down on those she deemed inferior. Even knowing Sheila was pregnant, to Melody, Sheila was merely a pawn. Once the child was born, Melody might even discard Sheila at will. She was a master of empty promises.

Michael, sitting beside Debra, spoke. “Did you never intend to cooperate with the Nichols family from the start?”

“Never,” Debra replied. “Cooperating with the Nichols family once leads to more cooperation. It’s better to devise a plan to sever their influence.”

Michael looked at her, his expression unreadable. “I don’t know if I should say your methods are brilliant or that you are ruthless, considering you were once married to him.”

Debra replied, “We were only nominally married. He never showed me any mercy, so why should I show any to him?”

She turned to the driver, ordering, “Drive and drop Michael home first.”

“Yes, madam,” the driver replied, subtly adjusting his hat.

Debra saw his action in the rearview mirror. She frowned. “You’re not our driver.”