Chapter 496

Debra sighed. “There’s a catch. I have to play the part of Mrs. Nichols for the next few months. After that, we’re done for good.”

Oscar raised an eyebrow. “He wants to buy time for the Nichols Group?”

“Most likely,” Debra replied. “They’ve taken a blow from us. Even though they’re back in operation, their stocks are running low. This year’s profits are looking grim. These six months are crucial for their recovery.”

“Clever move,” Oscar observed. “Even in divorce, he’s angling for a return on investment.”

“Putting business first. That’s Juan,” Debra said, shrugging, unsurprised. In her last life, he had married her primarily for the Frazier family’s connections.

Oscar chimed in, “Well, at least it’s a divorce.”

Debra said, “So, I agreed.” Besides, she would get a sum of money.

Across the room, the sycophants who had once fawned over Sheila now swarmed Debra.

“Mrs. Nichols, I always thought you and Mr. Nichols were a power couple. I’m so glad to see you reconciled.”

“Indeed, Mrs. Nichols. With the Frazier family’s recent troubles, we haven’t been able to visit. Now, with Mr. Nichols back by your side, you are sure to turn things around.”

These familiar faces from the business world had all disappeared after the Frazier Group went bankrupt. Now that Juan and she had reconciled, they reappeared one after another.

Debra smiled politely, clinking glasses with the ladies.

Upstairs in the study, Declan slumped onto a sofa and grumbled, “Mr. Nichols, what do you mean by reconciling with Debra?”

Juan replied calmly, “I thought I had made it clear enough.”

Declan slammed his fist on the table. “This is not what you promised me.”

Juan leaned back in his chair. “I agreed to take care of Miss Blair for life. I never promised marriage.”

“You!” Declan exclaimed. He thought the engagement was a done deal when he heard Juan say that and saw the dinner planned for the next day. No one had expected Juan to announce his reconciliation with Debra instead.

Sheila, tears streaming down her face, choked out, “Juan, I lost a child for you. You promised to compensate me. Why are you doing this?”

She had thought Juan’s change of attitude in the hospital was a sign of him softening towards her. But now, it seemed he had only been putting on an act.

Juan remained silent. Joe stepped forward, his smile diplomatic. “Mr. Nichols was merely managing perceptions.”

Declan scowled. “What are you talking about?”

Joe explained, “Mr. Nichols and Ms. Frazier are already divorced. The reconciliation was a strategic move. Given the recent pressures from the McKinney Group, the Nichols Group needed to restore its reputation. Divorcing now, with the Frazier family’s bankruptcy, would make us look heartless. And given the circumstances surrounding Miss Blair’s pregnancy, it could reflect poorly on the Nichols family.”

Sheila’s face darkened. “What do you mean by circumstances?”