Chapter 441

Debra spoke meaningfully. “Oh, by the way, Melody has started to suspect Shelia’s identity. I’m sure you’ll be receiving a call soon to arrange a meeting so she can conduct her interrogation. Melody is old and cares about… Latus. I hope that won’t bother you.”

She stood up and signaled to the waiter. “There’s no need to serve the food. Please pack everything up for Mr. Blair to take away. I believe Declan has lost his appetite, at least for dining with me.” The waiter nodded, though his expression revealed confusion. Debra didn’t wait for a response, turning on her heel and leaving the restaurant.

Declan slammed his fist on the table, his face contorted with displeasure. Debra knew what Declan was thinking. Whether Shelia was his daughter or not, he had clearly made up his mind. After the humiliation Melody had dealt him, he wouldn’t let this go easily. Melody’s pride was legendary, and tomorrow’s dinner invitation promised a spectacle worth watching.

Outside the Royal Grand Hotel, Debra took out her phone and called Erica.

“To have dinner with you?” Erica’s voice echoed her confusion.

“Tomorrow night, at the Royal Grand Hotel,” Debra explained. “There will be a great show.”

“Dinner, I understand, but a show? Is there an event tomorrow?” Erica asked curiously.

Randy took her phone and said, “We’ll be there.”

Debra nodded and instructed Ben to book a private room.

The following day, Debra didn’t go to Potter Entertainment. By six o’clock, everyone had assembled at the Royal Grand Hotel. Randy’s excitement was palpable as the waiter began to serve the dishes.

“This is the first time you’re hosting,” Randy remarked. “What’s the special occasion?”

Debra hushed him gently. “Keep your voice down. The private rooms here aren’t as soundproof as one might hope.”

“Really?” Randy looked puzzled but complied. Marion, sitting across from Debra, quietly picked fish bones for her.

In the adjacent room, Sophie politely ushered Declan in. “Mr. Blair, this way, please. Mrs. Nichols Sr. has been waiting.”

To everyone’s surprise, Declan was not alone. Edgar accompanied him, much to Melody’s visible dismay.

“Edgar is like a son to me,” Declan declared, unperturbed by Melody’s souring expression. “Honored to receive your invitation, Mrs. Nichols Sr., I thought it would be a good opportunity for him to broaden his horizons. I hope you don’t mind.”

Melody’s voice was as cold as ice. “Even if I say it’s not alright, will he leave?”

The Nichols family held significant sway in Seamar City, while the Blair family was respectable. However, in terms of wealth and influence, the Blairs were much inferior. Melody believed she had condescended to invite someone like Declan. Yet, not only did he not appreciate it, but he also brought Edgar along.

Edgar took his seat, seemingly oblivious to Melody’s hostility. “The dinner is quite lavish. Thank you for the hospitality, Mrs. Nichols Sr.”

Melody’s retort was sharp. “It seems people from Booton truly lack manners. I’ve heard your family is nouveau riche, which explains your behavior.”

Edgar was unfazed by her jab. “It seems you have quite a few opinions about me.”