Chapter 485

Eve was delighted. “With your silver tongue, if I do manage to win Mr. McKinney’s heart and marry him, I’ll make sure you get your shot at stardom.”

Ashley’s eyes sparkled. “Really? Eve, you’re an absolute doll!”

Eve, accustomed to Ashley’s honeyed words, barely registered the compliment. Her gaze sharpened as she saw Debra entering the house.

“You, over there. Come here,” she commanded.

Joe, searching for Debra at Juan’s request, paused as Eve intercepted him. As Juan’s secretary, only Juan and Melody held authority over him.

Maintaining a diplomatic tone, he responded, “Good evening, Miss. Is there something I can assist you with?”

Eve snorted. “Debra is just a lowly manager from the McKinney Group. What makes her worthy of being here? Have someone remove her. She’s sullying the atmosphere.”

Eve’s imperious tone made it clear she mistook Joe for a butler. Ashley, ever the opportunist, fanned the flames. “Exactly. This is the Nichols family’s gathering. Debra has humiliated Mr. Nichols before. How dare she show her face here? There must have been a mistake with the invitations.”

Joe’s brow furrowed. “Ms. Frazier is here representing the McKinney Group. If you have any grievances, I suggest you take them up with Mr. Nichols directly.”

Eve scoffed. “Are you incapable of handling such a trivial matter? Must you bother Mr. Nichols with every little thing? Since when does a mere manager represent the McKinney Group? Didn’t Mr. McKinney promise to come himself? What is she doing here?”

The commotion drew the attention of nearby guests. Whispers circulated, eyes darting between Eve and the unfolding spectacle. No one had ever dared to publicly disrespect Joe in such a manner.

Ashley, sensing the shifting atmosphere, nudged Eve. “People are staring.”

Eve glanced around, finally noticing the curious looks directed her way. “Why are you just standing there, butler? Remove her at once!” she hissed. At home, she was domineering and would make the butler handle all troubles; she naturally assumed the Nichols family’s butler should do the same. She didn’t know that Joe was Juan’s secretary.

Debra’s voice cut through the tension. “Joe, come here.”

Eve and Ashley exchanged horrified glances, the color draining from their faces. “Joe? Juan’s secretary, Joe?”

Realization dawned on Eve, her stomach twisting as she comprehended the magnitude of her blunder.

Joe walked over to Debra and said politely, “Mr. Nichols wants to see you.”

“Okay.” Debra cast a dismissive glance at Eve, who stood rooted to the spot. “Miss Cameron seems a bit overwrought. Perhaps you should have your staff help her compose herself.”