Chapter 56 + 25 BONUS

Dave was puzzled. That was great news for the real estate industry, and everyone in the business had learned about it. Juan furrowed his brow, realizing he hadn’t contacted Debra since that morning.

“Mr. Clark, let’s drink,” Shelia said, knowing Juan was thinking about Debra. She poured him a drink despite her uneasy feelings. Juan stood up abruptly and left the private room without a word.

“Mr. Nichols?” The room fell into confusion, and Shelia fretted. She found it hard to believe the land had ended up in the green zone.

In the bathroom, Debra finished washing her hands and noticed her phone vibrating on the sink. Seeing it was Juan calling, she answered, “What’s up?”

“Where are you?” His tone wasn’t friendly. Confused by his renewed upset, she replied, “Having a meal with friends. Can it wait until tonight?”

Shelia’s timid voice came from the other end. “Juan, come back. Everyone’s waiting for you.” Debra hung up without another word. She found it absurd that he inquired about her whereabouts while he was out with his lover.

Putting away her phone, she left the bathroom. Shelia, trying to close the door to the private room, caught sight of Debra emerging from the bathroom. Surprise registered on Shelia’s face before she instinctively shut the door.

“Shelia, come here.”

Shelia turned, realizing Juan hadn’t seen Debra.

“Mr. Nichols, I want to get some fresh air outside,” she said.

“Go ahead,” Juan replied softly. People around exchanged looks. It wasn’t Shelia’s first time attending such gatherings with Juan. Men in their circle always brought female companions instead of their wives. Everyone knew the identity of these companions.

Unnoticed, Shelia headed towards where Debra had gone. She soon heard the voices of a man and a woman chatting.

“Your vision is admirable. I’d like to toast you,” Randy said, raising his glass. Debra followed suit.

Since dishes were being served, the door wasn’t closed. Shelia saw Debra and Marion sitting close together; Marion even fed Debra while she raised her glass. Shelia wondered about their relationship.

“Miss, are you looking for the bathroom? It’s over there,” a waiter said from behind her. His voice startled Shelia and attracted Debra’s attention. Debra looked over and saw a familiar figure, but it quickly hurried away.

“Was someone outside?” Marion asked.

Randy glanced around. “No one.”

Debra frowned. “I think I saw Shelia.” If Shelia was here, then Juan must be too. She wondered if Juan and Shelia were in the other private room.

“I’ll go check it out!” Randy said, trying to get up.

Debra stopped him. “Don’t go. It wouldn’t be good if they found out. Let me think.”