Chapter 483

“A gala?”

When Debra strode back into the McKinney Group’s headquarters, the buzz of internal chatter immediately reached her ears. She tossed the invitation onto her desk. “So, why didn’t this invitation land on my desk yesterday?”

Ben squirmed under her gaze. “This is a big deal. All the top celebrities and big-name stars will be there. I didn’t think you needed to attend, so…”

“Cut to the chase, Ben. Who’s hosting it?” Debra demanded.

Ben tried to dance around the question, but Debra’s steely gaze pinned him. He finally confessed.

“It’s the Nichols family.”

A smile spread across Debra’s face. She knew Ben wouldn’t hide the invitation without reason. Now she understood. He was worried about her encountering Juan.

Ben trod carefully. “They’re going to announce Mr. Nichols’ engagement to Miss Blair.”

Everyone in Seamar City knew about Debra’s history with Juan. If the invitation had landed in his still-not-quite-ex-wife’s lap, it would be a recipe for public humiliation.

Debra eyed the invitation. “Is this invitation for me or Tracy?”

“Both,” Ben replied, handing over the other invitation.

The public was still unaware of Tracy’s true identity, and even Juan remained none the wiser. So, the Nichols family had sent two invitations. Whether Debra attended as herself or as Tracy was a tangled web indeed.

“Mr. Nichols’ engagement to Miss Blair is good news. I should attend.”

“Not as Debra, but Tracy,” she said. “By the way, how is Michael’s injury?”

“He is much better now.”

“Good. Tell Michael to get ready.”

“Michael was actually invited to the gala. Are you suggesting…”

“I can’t make an appearance as Tracy. Let Michael stand in for me.”

Michael was a natural actor, and his skills had been honed to perfection over the past year. Moreover, Michael was familiar with all the McKinney Group’s decisions. If he pretended to be the real boss behind the McKinney Group, it would certainly generate gossip.

“Isn’t this a bit risky? If people start seeing Michael as the McKinney Group’s boss, then you…”

“The divorce agreement hasn’t been finalized yet, so my identity can’t be made public for now.”

If she could dominate Seamar City, it might be different. But currently, she and Juan were on equal footing, with her even at a slight disadvantage. If the Nichols family’s profit-driven members learned she was the real power behind the McKinney Group, she wouldn’t be able to escape this marriage.

Ben nodded, understanding the delicate balance at play.

“I’ll get it done right away.”

“Also, prepare a formal evening dress for me.”

“Are you going too?”

“Lots of reporters will be at the gala. With Juan officially getting engaged to Sheila today, I want to use this opportunity to maximize the media impact. I’m set on getting this divorce, and I’ll use every tool at my disposal to make it happen.”

Ben quickly understood Debra’s intentions and nodded. “Understood.”