Chapter 534

Melody stood frozen, her mind reeling from the unexpected revelation. She didn't believe Juan would offer any evidence.

“This is impossible. You’re just trying to drive a wedge between us.”

“Mrs. Nichols Sr., you’ve built a solid reputation in this industry. But if we take this to court, you’ll be facing a serious lawsuit. Let’s see where your precious reputation lands you then,” Jenson said, hitting her weak point.

Melody’s reputation rested not only on her merits but also on the powerful men in her life—her husband, her son, and now, Juan. But now, Juan had chosen not to protect her. A sinking feeling settled in her heart; she was on her own. She slumped onto the couch, unable to comprehend how the grandson she had raised and nurtured could turn his back on her.

Sophie rushed to her side, glaring at the Vargas family members. “Mrs. Nichols Sr. is unwell. She needs to rest. If you don’t leave now, I’ll call security.”

Jenson remained calm. “Fine, we’ll leave if the debt is settled.”

Sophie scoffed, standing tall. “You think the Nichols family can’t handle a measly one billion dollars? Mr. Nichols will back up his grandmother. Leave now before I call the police.”

Jenson clenched his jaw, staring at Sophie. After a tense moment, he turned to Hester. “Let’s go. If the Nichols family doesn’t give us justice by tomorrow, we’ll take this to the press. Let’s see how Mrs. Nichols Sr. likes jail.”

Hester nodded, her eyes brimming with hatred. Once, she had viewed Melody as her grandmother, treating her with love and respect. But Melody had repaid her kindness with cruelty, pushing her into an inescapable abyss. To control her, Melody had someone defile her.

Hester stormed out with her parents.

Sophie, trying to offer comfort, spoke quietly. “Mrs. Nichols Sr., it’s just one billion dollars. If this goes public, your reputation…”

“Shut up!” Melody snapped, shoving Sophie away. “Do you think I don’t know what you did with Debra behind my back? I’ve kept you around all these years for nothing. You’re just ungrateful.”

Sophie, stunned by the outburst, didn’t dare argue. She had always been loyal to Melody, never disobeying her commands. However, in recent months, Melody’s behavior had become increasingly erratic, and Sophie feared her actions would one day ruin the Nichols family.

In a quiet, shaky voice, Sophie said, “Mrs. Nichols Sr., I’ve served you for decades and watched Mr. Nichols grow up. Everything I’ve done has been for the family. Yes, Mrs. Nichols has made mistakes, but she’s a good woman, and she has always respected you. She cared for you. As for Miss Vargas, while she may have been ambitious, she served you loyally. But you had her defiled. How could she not hate you?”

“Enough!” Melody snapped, her face flushed with fury. “If it weren’t for your long-term service, I would’ve fired you by now.”

Melody took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. “Call Juan. Find out what’s happening at the hospital. Let him call me as soon as he wakes up.”