Chapter 554 + 25 Bonus

Debra tidied her desk and said, “Please keep an eye on some of my tasks for me. There’s nothing extraordinary; just ensure everything runs as usual. For business-related issues, consult with Marion and Randy. Most importantly, keep a close watch on the Edgar Report and every movement of the Odom family.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The phone in her office rang. She answered, and the receptionist’s voice came through.

“Ma’am, Mrs. Nichols Sr. insists on seeing you. We can’t seem to stop her.”

“What does she want?”

“Well, she didn’t say.”

“Don’t let her come up. I’ll go down shortly.”

“Understood.”

The receptionist hung up, glanced at the glamorous elderly lady, and poured her a cup of tea.

“Madam, Ms. Frazier is coming down.”

“I’m her grandmother-in-law. She should come to greet me properly.” Melody settled into a chair, sipping her tea with a scowl. “What kind of tea is this? It’s terrible. Does the McKinney Group think it’s acceptable to serve such poor-quality tea to their guests?”

Faced with Melody’s deliberate rudeness, the receptionist could only force a polite smile. Debra descended from the upper floors, dressed in a sleek suit that highlighted her competent demeanor. Melody sized her up with visible displeasure.

“You’re quite slow. According to family rules, you should have been here to greet me before I even arrived.”

Debra remained unfazed. She took the teacup from Melody’s hands and handed it to the receptionist, saying, “Mrs. Nichols Sr. seems to dislike this tea. If she visits again, there’s no need to serve tea.”

Melody’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”

“Nothing much. Since you didn’t inform me of your visit today, I’m wondering if you are here to inspect my work. Your reach seems to be extending a bit too far.”

Debra’s words were laced with venom, and Melody’s face tightened with irritation. She rose from her seat.

“What’s that attitude? I came here to speak with you,” she paused, glancing at the bystanders. “Shouldn’t you invite me to your office to discuss this?”

Debra smiled thinly. “Well then, follow me.”

Melody trailed behind, her expression a mix of haughtiness and irritation. Once they were in the elevator, Melody continued to grumble, “The taste of the McKinney Group is lacking. This elevator is so small and shabby.”

Debra abruptly halted the elevator. The sudden stop threw Melody into a state of mild panic.

“What are you doing?”

“Grandma, let me make it clear. We should keep to our own lanes and avoid unnecessary conflict. It’s unacceptable that you make a scene here.”

Her cold voice sent a shiver down Melody’s spine.