Chapter 47

“Hey, that’s my 98-inch Ultra HD TV!” Randy lamented, turning to Marion, and grumbled, “What is wrong with you? It accompanied me for countless days and nights. Just because you were in a bad mood, you broke it. You’re simply…”

“I’ll compensate you,” Marion interjected.

Randy sniffled, changing his tone. “You’re simply rich.”

Marion had no mood for this banter. Randy continued, “Debra was so affectionate with her husband on TV. Does that bother you? Honestly, you should give up on her.”

“That’s just for show.”

“She even purposely got close to Jordan at school. Is that also for show?”

“I saw that coming,” Marion replied nonchalantly. He knew Debra wouldn’t let such a valuable magnet slip by. Sure enough, in just a few days, Jordan and Debra had become acquainted, and the Potter family had even subtly helped Debra handle the matter. It was not merely for the sake of their reputation. They had every reason to distance themselves and smear Debra. After all, she was Juan’s wife. Yet they didn’t act that way, largely due to Jordan’s intervention.

“Weren’t you angry about it?” Randy asked.

“Jordan isn’t her type,” Marion asserted.

Randy rolled his eyes in disbelief. “Oh right, Jordan isn’t her type. You are. Where did you get this confidence?”

Randy didn’t dare to voice his thoughts. After a moment of hesitation, he said, “When we’re out, don’t you say you are my buddy.” It would be awkward.

At the Nichols family’s house, Melody’s mood improved after she watched the press conference. When Debra and Juan returned, they found Melody in the living room, instructing Sophie to prepare more dishes. Juan quickly took Debra’s hand, greeting, “Grandma, what brings you here?”

“To see you guys. What? Worried I’d disturb your alone time?” Melody chuckled, clearly taking their interaction at the press conference seriously. Debra forced a smile. Melody, in her old age, loved meddling in the affairs of the younger generation.

Sophie brought out the dishes from the kitchen and gave Debra a meaningful look. An unsettling premonition gnawed at Debra. To be safe, she didn’t drink any alcohol, and Juan, always cautious, refrained from drinking too.

After dinner, Juan put down his fork and knife. “Grandma, it’s a long day for Debra and me, so why don’t you go back and rest early too?”

“Don’t fret. I won’t disturb you.” Melody stood up and said to Sophie, “You can go home now and tidy up tomorrow.”

Sophie nodded knowingly. They both appeared to be in a good mood. Debra couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. After they left, Juan dropped his façade and spoke indifferently. “I’m going upstairs.”

“Okay.” Debra then began a thorough search of the dining table.