Chapter 54

“I’ve reserved a private room at the Maple Hotel. Come on and get in the car,” Marion said.

“Thank you!” Debra replied.

In the afternoon, Juan was headed to a banquet with Joe. As they passed Arcane Academy, he glanced at the bustling students and Debra’s image involuntarily came to mind.

“Pull over,” he said, surprising himself with the command.

Joe promptly pulled over and asked, “Sir, do you want to pick up Miss Miles?”

Juan remained silent. Joe asked again, “Should I call Mrs. Nichols?”

Juan lifted his head, his eyes cold in the rearview mirror. Joe immediately shut his mouth.

At the school gate, Wendy spotted Juan’s car and nudged Shelia. “Shelia, isn’t that your boyfriend’s car? Is he here to pick you up?”

From afar, Shelia recognized the license plate and blushed at Wendy’s words. Carrie teased, “Guess you can’t dine with us today. Next time, you’re treating.”

“Okay, I’ll catch you guys later,” Shelia chirped, hurrying towards Juan’s car. It had been a long time since Juan had come to find her.

Shelia knocked on the rear window. Joe rolled it down, and when Juan saw it was her, a flicker of disappointment crossed his face.

“Mr. Nichols, what brings you here? To find me?” Shelia asked expectantly.

“Get in,” Juan said curtly.

Shelia got in, noticing that Juan wasn’t in the best mood. She chalked it up to a bad day.

Juan instructed, “Let’s go.”

“Yes, sir,” Joe responded.

Along the way, Juan remained silent. Shelia was used to it. Juan was never good at expressing himself, and showing up without warning like this was a first.

“Is there a banquet?” Shelia asked. Normally, she’d accompany him to these events.

“Yeah.”

“Should I change my clothes?”

“No need.”

Juan seemed distracted. Shelia didn’t speak further, sensing his reluctance to talk.

Outside the Maple Hotel, Shelia, as usual, linked arms with Juan. Nervously, she asked, “Is my outfit really okay?”

“You’ve been here so many times. You should be used to it,” he said, his cold response leaving Shelia silent.

Their private room was at the far end. Juan was the last to enter. Inside, everyone stood up to compliment him, and beside him, Shelia couldn’t help but straighten up, enjoying the attention.

“Their salmon is amazing. You should try it! The steak and crab too.” Randy’s voice echoed from the other end of the corridor, making Juan pause from taking his seat. Unfortunately, the door had closed, and he couldn’t hear any response.

“Mr. Nichols?” Shelia called out softly.

Juan composed himself and took his seat, believing he had overthought. Debra couldn’t possibly be here.