Chapter 57

Shelia returned to the room, her pale face drawing immediate attention. She struggled to compose herself as she sat down. Juan noticed her pallor and asked, “Are you feeling unwell?”

In a hushed voice, Shelia replied, “Mr. Nichols, I—I think I just saw Debra.”

“Debra?”

Shelia nodded, hesitating before continuing, “Not only did I see Debra, but I also saw the two men from the auction the other day. One of them seemed very close to her.”

One name instantly sprang to his mind: Marion. His eyes glinting with coldness, Juan stood and strode towards the door. Shelia followed, leaving everyone else bewildered.

“It’s right ahead,” she pointed, leading the way. Juan pushed open the door to the private room and saw Marion and Randy inside, toasting each other.

Randy looked puzzled. “Juan?”

Disappointment washed over Shelia as Debra’s absence registered. But soon, she noticed the third set of utensils on the table. “Mr. Nichols, the utensils are still here.”

Juan also spotted the extra set. He asked coldly, “Where is Debra?”

“Debra?” Randy appeared confused. “Why are you asking us where your wife is?”

“Don’t play dumb. Shelia just saw her. Where is she?”

“Shelia? Who’s that?” Randy glanced at the girl beside Juan, suddenly realizing. “Oh, it’s you. Why did you spread false rumors about us?”

“I didn’t! I saw it!” Shelia insisted.

“Oh? What did you see?” Marion interjected, his imposing aura causing Shelia to gasp for air. She instinctively grasped Juan’s arm, finding courage in his presence. “I saw you two chatting, laughing, and drinking here. You even fed Debra and held her hand.”

She added further details, but Marion sneered in response. Juan’s voice grew colder. “I’ll ask again. Where is she?”

“Excuse me!” A melodious voice suddenly sounded outside the door. A woman in a red dress walked in, looking puzzled at the scene. She asked, “What’s going on?”

“You are…?” Shelia stared blankly at the unfamiliar woman, while Juan frowned.

“Marion, who are they?” the woman asked, sitting beside Marion.

Marion calmly replied, “This is Juan, CEO of Nichols Group, and his companion.”

“Mr. Nichols, you gotta believe me. She’s not the one sitting here earlier.”

“Hey, watch your tone! Do you even know who’s sitting in front of you?” Randy’s voice showed rare anger. “This is Erica, heiress to the Mathis family. Show some respect. Juan, keep your people in check, and don’t let them speak randomly.”

Shelia turned paler at the introduction. It was known to all that the Mathis family had only one daughter. She was educated overseas and had returned to the country only recently. She controlled all of the Mathis Group’s shares and owned multiple enterprises. She was also Caleb’s granddaughter.