Chapter 58

Caleb doted excessively on Erica.

Erica said, “I’m sorry, Miss Mathis, I didn’t mean to. I…”

“Enough!”

Erica frowned, turning her attention to Juan. “It’s you, Juan. You better keep your mistress in check. How dare a poor student who latched onto a wealthy man be so insolent in front of me?”

Labeled a mistress, Shelia couldn’t contain her anger. But before she could retort, Juan intervened with a grim expression. Shelia was frightened by his demeanor, not daring to speak.

“It’s a misunderstanding. Let me cover the expenses of your meal. Please don’t take offense.”

“No need! The Mathis family is rich enough,” Erica bluntly rejected his offer. “I’ll remember this. Show them out!”

Several bodyguards escorted Juan and Shelia from the room. Juan could easily have handled them, but he didn't; he was in the wrong. Once outside, Juan looked sullen.

“Juan, I really didn’t…” Shelia began.

“Alright, let’s not talk about it again,” Juan said, suppressing his anger. Shelia bit her lip in guilt. She couldn’t have been mistaken; this must have been a trick played by Debra.

After Juan and Shelia left, Debra emerged from the adjacent room, dressed in Erica’s clothes. She said, “Thank you for your help, Erica.”

Without hesitation, Erica replied, “No worries! We’re family.”

Randy cleared his throat. Debra was puzzled by this statement, and Marion picked up the conversation. “I wanted to introduce you to Erica today, but Juan ruined it. You should go home now before he finds out.”

“Okay.” Debra had planned to leave earlier but wanted to meet Erica first. Erica was Marion’s cousin, two years older, and a renowned figure overseas. Since Marion had introduced Erica to her, Debra couldn’t leave without meeting her.

“Erica, let’s catch up next time,” Debra said.

Erica gestured. “Sure!”

After Debra left, Erica glanced at the table and exclaimed, “You called me over without even ordering one of my favorite dishes! Why do I have a cousin like you?”

Randy explained, “Your favorite dish was taken by Juan.”

“Crab?”

“Yeah.”

Erica rolled up her sleeves. “Should have been tougher earlier!”

Noticing Marion’s silence, she continued, “My cousin is really something, daring to steal someone else’s wife, just like me.”

“Just eat your food!” Randy kept piling food onto her plate. Marion’s thoughts were all on Debra.

Later that night, Debra heard Juan come home. She closed her eyes, pretending not to hear. But soon, she heard Juan’s slow footsteps ascending the stairs.