Chapter 496

“Juan?” Sophie’s expression darkened. “Yes. She cried and clung to the old lady’s leg, saying she was taken away by Edgar. She even mentioned her status as a Blair. Her behavior was so nauseating.”

Debra’s eyes narrowed. “Shelia said she was forced to leave?”

Sophie nodded, her voice filled with anger. “Exactly. But the truth is, upon learning she was Declan’s daughter and engaged to Edgar, she left willingly. Her expression was like she’d hit the jackpot. There’s no way she was forced.”

Debra frowned, her mind racing. Given her personality, if Shelia knew she was a Blair heiress and had a handsome, wealthy fiancé, she’d be thrilled. Gathering her thoughts, Debra said, “Sophie, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Please go ahead.”

“Shelia might not be a Blair at all.”

“How is that possible? Mr. Blair even held a press conference. How could Shelia not be his daughter?”

“A press conference only shows what he believes, not necessarily the truth.” Sophie fell silent, absorbing the implications of Debra’s words.

Debra knew Sophie was smart. She’d likely tell Melody, who could use her connections to investigate Shelia’s identity.

In the opulent bedroom, Sophie dropped a bombshell. Melody’s eyebrows shot up. “Where did you hear that?”

Sophie leaned in, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “Rumors are one thing, but we can’t take any chances. Not with Miss Miles carrying Mr. Nichols’ child. We can’t have some woman of dubious background waltzing into the Nichols family.”

Melody nodded thoughtfully. The incident was crucial; if Juan married a supposed Blair, only to find out later she wasn’t, it would be another blow to the Nichols family. “Send an invitation to the Blair family in my name. Ask Declan for dinner at the Royal Grand Hotel tomorrow night.”

Sophie scurried off and secretly texted Debra. Debra read the message with a smirk. She’d already investigated Shelia’s past, so Melody’s invitation didn’t surprise her. But she needed to beat Melody to the punch. Shelia was using her supposed blood ties with the Blair family and the baby to insinuate herself into the Nichols family. Debra was determined to cut that lifeline.

That evening, she arranged a meeting with Declan at the Royal Grand Hotel. He arrived promptly, his displeasure evident. After all, his daughter was carrying Juan’s child, and Juan was Debra’s husband. But if Debra hadn’t mentioned his daughter, he wouldn’t have come.

Declan took a seat, his voice gruff. “Ms. Frazier, why am I here?”

“I know you’re Shelia’s father, and you have every right to be hostile. But I invited you here to help your daughter.”

Declan snorted. “Help her? What have you done to her? How can you even say that?”

Debra leaned in, her voice low. “It wasn’t me who mistreated Shelia. I want a divorce, but the Nichols family is dragging their feet. I can’t force their hand.”

Declan’s face remained stony. “Stop pretending.”

Debra revealed, “Shelia, or rather, your daughter Jade, went to see the Nichols family today. Did you know?”

Declan’s eyes widened. “Jade went to the Nichols family? Why would she do that?”

Given Shelia’s mistress status and the online vitriol she faced, Declan loathed the Nichols family. He never expected Shelia to attempt reconciliation.

Debra sighed. “She is hoping to reconcile with Juan. I presume Edgar has been treating her poorly.”

Declan raised a dismissive hand. “That’s impossible. Edgar is deeply in love with Jade. He would never let her suffer.”

Debra shrugged. “Maybe. But the Nichols family is a different beast. Juan’s grandmother is difficult to please. If she marries into that family, her life will be miserable.”