Chapter 48

Juan never guarded against Melody, who had raised him. But Debra knew what Melody was capable of. In her previous life, her marriage to Juan had been orchestrated by Melody. Melody had tampered with the wine without telling her; that was why she had avoided drinking earlier. After searching fruitlessly, Debra was filled with doubt. “Could it be my imagination?”

In the dead of night, she tossed and turned, faintly hearing movement downstairs. Since he'd started coming home more often, Juan had cleaned a guest room, and they had been sleeping in separate rooms as before. Debra pushed open her door and found the kitchen light on. She went downstairs and saw Juan in a loose bathrobe, drinking cold water from the fridge.

“Juan?” she called softly. In the dim light, she vaguely saw him stiffen.

“Why are you out here?” he said, his voice hoarse. “Go back!” His cheeks were unnaturally flushed, and she could tell something was wrong. Panic clawed at Debra’s throat. Juan was drugged.

“Are you okay?” she asked, remaining on the stairs—a safe distance for her.

“I’m fine,” Juan said, trying to control himself. “Go back to your room!”

Debra swiftly retreated. She wasn’t foolish enough to provoke Juan at such a critical moment. Suddenly, the sound of breaking glass came from downstairs.

Debra was startled and immediately opened her door. Outside, Juan lay on the ground, unable to get up.

“Juan!” She rushed to him. The floor was covered with broken glass. Juan was barely conscious. Debra placed her hand on his cheek and felt the heat. In the next instant, he grabbed her wrist tightly. Debra was startled, regretting her impulsive action.

His grip was tight; his throat was dry, his body feverish. To him, Debra’s soft hand felt like dew that could quench his thirst.

“Is this what you want?” Juan croaked, his voice rattling. He used the opportunity to pin her to the floor and stare at her. Debra was stunning, with full lips and eyes tinged with fear. Anyone would be tempted to tease her. He had never paid attention to such things before, but now Debra looked breathtaking. Even in all of Seamar City, few socialites could compare to her.

Influenced by the drugs, Juan slowly leaned over, trying to satisfy his desire.

“Juan! Snap out of it!”

Juan paused, enraged by her words. “Snap out of it? Didn’t you conspire with Grandma to drug me? Why this innocent face?”

“This has nothing to do with me!” Debra tried to explain. But based on her past efforts to please Melody, Juan would never believe her. Sure enough, Juan exerted more force, pinning her hands down.