Chapter 694

Shelia’s senseless words shattered the thin veil of pretense and laid bare the truth that Melody had been exaggerating. Melody’s expression darkened like a storm cloud gathering on the horizon.

Debra, however, feigned confusion. “I was sincerely complimenting Melody. Why would you think I’m mocking her?”

“Because…” Shelia paused, realizing she’d put her foot in her mouth. She glanced nervously at Melody, whose face had turned thunderous. “Grandma, I didn’t mean it.”

“Shut up!” Melody snapped, her eyes flashing with anger. She had personally trained Shelia, but the stupid girl just couldn’t be smart. Shelia was still a fool at heart, incapable of discerning what should or shouldn’t be said at a time like this.

Debra’s smile looked downright mocking to Melody. She could barely contain her fury, turning to Juan with a stern voice. “Juan. Let’s go.”

Juan knew better than to defy Melody. After casting one last cold glance at Debra, he prepared to leave with Melody. However, they found their path blocked by Marion’s men.

Melody shot Marion a furious look. “What is this about?”

Marion met her gaze calmly, but his tone was icy. “Shelia insulted Debra, so it’s desirable if you can teach her some manners. Once she bows and apologizes, you can all leave.”

Juan was annoyed. “Marion, don’t push your luck!”

“Juan…”

Shelia tugged at his sleeve, biting her lip and looking pitiful. Seeing how adamant Marion’s men were, the other women began to panic. One after another, they advised Melody.

“Just have Shelia apologize, or we’ll all be stuck here.”

“The Houston family is not to be trifled with. If she doesn’t apologize now, you and your family won’t be living in peace.”

“That’s right. Since Ms. Blair was in the wrong, it’s only fair to apologize.”

Melody shot a withering look at Shelia. “What are you waiting for? Since you started it, you should apologize.”

Shelia couldn’t believe what she was hearing. But Melody’s expression was stone-cold, brooking no argument. “You don’t want to make everyone wait on you.”

“Grandma, it wasn’t Shelia’s fault,” Juan chimed in.

“Be quiet!” Melody snapped, glaring at him. “As the head of the Nichols family, you should have a sense of propriety. If Shelia made a mistake, you shouldn’t blindly defend her. What will people think of you?”

Her scolding silenced Juan. Melody turned back to Shelia and demanded, “Do it, now.”

Shelia felt humiliated and bit her lip. Without a choice, she walked over to Debra and bowed deeply. “Ms. Frazier, I was out of line earlier. Please, forgive me. I’m terribly sorry.”