Chapter 461

Debra steered the conversation toward married couples, and as expected, Leah's expression grew somber. "Now, somehow, the mistress becomes Miss Blair, and here I am, forced to meet them," Debra remarked, her voice laced with disdain, referring to Shelia.

Leah, aware of the tension between Debra and Shelia, had been uncomfortable witnessing Shelia, with her prominent baby bump, appear before Melody. Leah frowned, whispering, "The Nichols family, really! How could they allow a mistress to waltz into their home like this? They don't want a divorce, yet they openly parade her around. It's disgraceful."

Knowing Leah's feelings, Debra said, "They sent me this invitation. If it weren't for the chance to see you again, I wouldn't have bothered to come."

Leah patted her hand reassuringly. "Let's meet privately and avoid these commercial events."

Debra smiled. "Good."

A maid approached, her voice polite but firm. "Ms. Frazier, the old lady would like to see you."

Leah frowned, waving a dismissive hand. “I still have much to discuss with Ms. Frazier. Tell Melody that Debra will join her later. Debra is staying with me for a while longer.”

The maid, unable to argue, relayed the message. Debra offered a slight smile and continued her conversation with Leah, her eyes occasionally glancing toward Melody and Shelia. She noticed Melody's displeasure, while Shelia quietly consoled her.

Debra hadn't expected Melody to accept Shelia so readily, given her previous quarrel with Declan. Knowing Melody's character, she wouldn't have allowed Shelia to attend unless Shelia had shown weakness and begged for forgiveness, using her pregnancy as leverage.

However, the absence of both Declan and Edgar was unexpected. Debra wondered what was keeping them.

Suddenly, Melody's voice echoed through the room, commanding attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, today we invited you not only to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Riley’s new products but also to announce my future granddaughter-in-law.”

She took Shelia's hand, her voice filled with pride. “Miss Blair will become Mrs. Nichols.”

Shelia blushed, her face radiant. Debra, however, furrowed her brow. Melody's decision was baffling. After her previous clash with Declan, Shelia's presence was surprising enough. But for Melody to officially announce Shelia as part of the Nichols family was inexplicable.

Leah, noticing Debra's discomfort, leaned in. “Debra, don’t be upset. This means you can finally get a divorce.”

Debra managed a forced smile, her mind racing with questions, as the guests began to whisper among themselves.

“But isn’t Mr. Nichols still married? How can they announce a new Mrs. Nichols already?”

“She’s pregnant and from the Blair family. Of course, they need to give her a title.”

“Haven’t you heard? Miss Blair threatened suicide, so Declan had no choice but to negotiate the marriage. I heard he even prepared a valuable gift.”