Chapter 459

The Potter Entertainment trainee program was indefinitely postponed, eliminating Debra's reason to go there. Meanwhile, Marion diligently pursued numerous newly approved programs at the McKinney Group. Ben, having finalized the recent programs, followed Debra into her office.

“Oscar and the trainees have joined our entertainment company,” Ben reported. “Michael is personally overseeing their integration.”

Debra nodded. “I trust Michael’s abilities. Leave everything to him.”

“There’s one more thing,” Ben said, placing an invitation on her desk. “This is from the Nichols family.”

“Who sent it? Juan?”

“No, it’s from Melody Nichols.”

Debra picked up the invitation, her eyes scanning the intricate design. Melody had made her disdain quite clear; this invitation could only mean trouble.

She opened it. “A jewelry banquet,” she murmured skeptically. She didn't believe Melody’s intentions were good. She set the invitation aside.

“Do you know anything about this?”

“Not much is known yet.”

“Who else received an invitation?”

“All the big names in the industry.”

“Including the Blair family?”

“Yes.”

Given the recent tension, Declan's attendance seemed unlikely. Debra smelled a rat. “We won’t attend the banquet,” she declared.

“Not attending?” Ben was surprised. “But this jeweler is the biggest in Seamar City. They’ve been discussing a partnership with us. Their jewelry is far more upscale than Tyson Enterprises'. If Michael could endorse Riley Jewelry this year, his commercial value would at least triple.”

Debra hesitated. She hadn't realized the Nichols family's connection to Riley Jewelry. If this banquet influenced the Riley family's partnership decision, Michael might lose his best chance for advancement.

After a moment, Debra made up her mind. “Alright, I’ll go. You’ll come with me. Our goal is to win over the Riley family, not to get entangled with the Nichols family. Try to avoid conflicts with them.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Ben replied.

Debra nodded, again scanning the invitation.

“Will Edgar and Sheila be there too?”

“They should be, since the Blair family is attending. I think they’ll appear as a couple.”

Debra's mind raced.

As evening approached, the Nichols family's old house buzzed with activity. Luxury cars had been arriving steadily since afternoon, and by the time Debra arrived, the garden was filled with guests.

Ben parked outside the gate, and Debra stepped out, taking in the grandeur of the entrance. Even in her previous life, she rarely visited this place. She hadn't expected Melody to make such a fuss, and she wondered who Melody was trying to impress.