Chapter 403

In the tense silence that followed, Michael made no move to let Sheila rise. Edgar, attempting to defuse the situation, interjected, "Jade was indeed harsh with Ms. Frazier, but it stemmed from old grudges. I spoke with her at length last night, and she assured me she would let go of the past."

He turned to Sheila, his gaze encouraging. "Jade, didn't you say last night that you were ready to bow and apologize to Ms. Frazier?"

Sheila nodded eagerly, her eyes wide and repentant. She stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Debra, I'm truly sorry. I let my feelings for Mr. Nichols cloud my judgment, and I did terrible things to you out of jealousy. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Debra looked at Sheila's innocent face, her brow furrowing slightly. Sheila seemed genuinely repentant, but Debra knew better than to accept things at face value. There were only two reasons for such a drastic change: either Sheila had truly turned over a new leaf, perhaps influenced by true love, or she was biding her time, playing the victim until she could strike back. Given her recent dream, Debra suspected the former. A leopard rarely changes its spots.

"Last time, Miss Miles slapped me twice," she said, her voice steady and clear. "A simple bow isn't sufficient."

Sheila bit her lip. "If you want to hit me back, I won't utter a word of complaint." Her fragile demeanor made it seem as if Debra were being unreasonable.

Debra raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "You're pregnant, and I can't slap you. Besides, I think a monetary settlement would be more appropriate. Mr. Houston gave me five billion as a settlement for the slap from Mr. Odom. So, Miss Miles, if you're truly sorry, perhaps you'd be willing to match that amount."

"Five billion?" Sheila blanched, her eyes widening in shock. Since being acknowledged as a Blair, she'd only received a million as pocket money. Where was she supposed to get five billion? She turned to Edgar, her eyes pleading.

Chapter 403

Edgar took a deep breath, his jaw tightening. "Ms. Frazier, that sounds an awful lot like extortion."

Debra shrugged, unfazed. "Not at all. It's simply an acknowledgment that resolving this isn't as simple as a bow. Besides, she hurt Michael, my meal ticket. With the Frazier Group bankrupt and my shares in McKinney Group reduced to crumbs, I'm relying on Michael's earnings. If his face, a star's most valuable asset, is damaged, even five billion won't be enough."

Michael coughed slightly, shocked by her audacity. The head of McKinney Group, a woman with billions to her name, was playing the poverty card with a straight face.

Edgar rubbed his temples, realizing he would have to bail Sheila out. "Alright, I'll cover the five billion for Jade. But Ms. Frazier, remember your words. Our grudges are settled from now on."

"That's for sure," Debra replied.

Edgar stood up with a sour expression and called out to Sheila, "Let's go."