Chapter 492 + 25 BONUS
Declan’s voice boomed. “Today, I demand an explanation. What have you done to Jade? She was committed to marrying you and even lost a child because of you. Is this how you repay her?”
His outburst was met with Juan’s cold stare, sending a shiver down Declan’s spine. The weight of Juan’s presence pressed down on him.
Shelia sobbed, “Juan, you promised me we would get engaged. Why? Did Ms. Frazier say something to you?” Her eyes already rimmed red, she turned to Debra. “Ms. Frazier, if I have ever wronged you, please forgive me. I beg you, don’t take my Juan away. I can’t live without him.” Her voice trailed off as she swayed, collapsing into Declan’s arms. He staggered, barely managing to keep them both upright.
Summoning his courage, Declan addressed Juan, “Mr. Nichols, look at my daughter. Don’t you owe us an explanation?”
All eyes were on Juan. He took Debra’s hand, his voice steady and clear. “I never intended to divorce Debra. As for the rumors of an engagement with Miss Blair, I also want to know who started them.” His gaze swept over Shelia and Declan, who squirmed under his scrutiny. Thinking they had the Nichols family’s backing, they spread the engagement news and burned their bridges with Edgar.
Now, the city buzzed with tonight’s supposed engagement, but Declan had gravely miscalculated. Juan wasn’t one to be backed into a corner. Expecting him to marry Shelia was a pipe dream.
Whispers filled the air: “What’s happening? Isn’t Mr. Nichols supposed to be engaged to Miss Blair?” “I always knew Jade was just a mistress. She didn’t even gain the Nichols family’s favor when she was pregnant. Now that the child is gone, why would they want her?” “I bet the Blair family spread those rumors, trying to force his hand. Pathetic.”
Shelia heard the whispers and saw the retreating figures of those who had just been singing her praises. Only Ashley remained.
In her desperation, Shelia said, “Juan, did you know that while you and Debra were separated, she was supported by an older man? How could you remarry such a woman?”
Her words dropped a bomb. Debra arched an eyebrow. “Oh? Where did you hear such a fascinating tale, Miss Blair?”
Shelia dragged Ashley forward, thrusting her into the spotlight. Ashley’s face paled, her eyes darting nervously.
Shelia’s voice was triumphant. “You recognize her, don’t you? She’s a trainee at Potter Entertainment. She saw you being picked up by a luxury car every night. She can testify that you stole Freya’s boyfriend and used connections to get recruited. She can confirm all of this.”