Chapter 335

Outside the house, Michael stood tense, his body coiled like a spring. His face remained calm, but his hand gripped the knife hidden in his sleeve, ready for any provocation.

Debra emerged, saying, "Why so tense, Michael? It's time to leave."

Michael asked, "Is it settled?"

"Yes."

Seeing she was unharmed, Michael relaxed slightly, but remained vigilant. The Potter family was a bottomless quagmire of unknown dangers. If Juan ruled Seamar City, Andrew was its most enigmatic king. Everyone knew that while one could cross Juan and survive, offending Andrew was a death sentence.

Once inside the car, Michael gently checked Debra's shoulders and arms for injuries. Satisfied she was unharmed, he asked, despite the driver's presence, "Did you offend him?"

"No."

"Then why did he meet you?"

"He gave me a friendly reminder."

Debra leaned back. She understood the Nichols family's deep roots. The McKinney Group appeared comparable to the Nichols Group on the surface, but she knew better. In a showdown, the McKinney Group wouldn't stand a chance. Even with the McKinney Group's impressive standing, the Nichols Group's century-long reputation was formidable. A protracted conflict would result in a brutal backlash.

But Debra wasn't worried; Melody was still alive. After delivering a significant blow to the Nichols Group and successfully divorcing Juan, she wouldn't need further drastic measures.

The next day, news of Melody's chaotic dinner party spread rapidly. The media had a field day, portraying her as ruthless.

The Nichols and Frazier families' collaboration was canceled, and even the magazine shoot involving Michael and Cathryn was postponed. Online, footage of Cathryn acting like a diva on set and attempting to win Michael's favor went viral. Netizens criticized her as a spoiled, uncouth rich girl.

Michael, however, was portrayed as a seasoned, restrained actor with a strong reputation, rarely involved in scandals with female stars. His impatience with Cathryn was evident in the video; he refused any physical contact. As a result, Cathryn's image plummeted from international socialite to pampered celebrity.

In her office, Debra wasn't surprised by the news. She knew Michael well. He respected women but was shrewd in his manipulations. He understood how public opinion shifted, and Cathryn, a newcomer, was no match for him.

Ben rushed in, reporting, "Madam, something's happened with the Nichols family." Debra, seeing his enthusiasm, knew it was good news. "Anything involving the Nichols Group?"

Ben inhaled deeply, his words tumbling out. "A worker jumped from a construction site. The building was substandard, and they're facing over a billion in losses."

Debra smiled faintly. The Nichols family was reaping what they had sown.

Meanwhile, the Nichols Group headquarters' front desk was overwhelmed with calls. The conference room was in chaos; voices rose in panic and disbelief. "How could a worker suddenly jump? Who owns this project?"