Chapter 79

Shelia acted like a victim, tearfully accusing Debra. At school, her tears might have elicited sympathy, but here, everyone was seasoned. Her tricks were futile; they only saw her as a clown. Only Shelia believed they would believe her story.

“You’re shameless!” Erica sneered. It was her first encounter with such audacity.

Shelia shed tears, sobbing, “Miss Mathis, I know you dislike me, but I’m not what you think. I made a mistake and offended you that day. I’m truly sorry. Please forgive me.” Her tone was humble.

Martin, the lackey, stepped forward and chimed in, “That’s right. Miss Miles is highly favored by Mr. Nichols, impeccable in character. You can’t believe hearsay. For Mr. Nichols’s sake, please forgive Miss Miles.” He glanced pointedly at Debra, unaware of her identity.

“Who are you? And who is Mr. Nichols to me? Why should I care about him?” Erica glared at Martin, who paled instantly. “I don’t give a damn about Mr. Nichols or anyone else. I just want this woman out. This isn’t a place for just anyone!”

Shelia turned pale with embarrassment. With Juan backing her, she had never been treated like this before.

“Security! Get her out!” Erica ordered, and the guards moved in.

“Miss Mathis! I’m here on behalf of Mr. Nichols. If you eject me, you’re rejecting him! I came with goodwill, and you don’t want to refuse chances of working with the Nichols Group, right?” Shelia shouted, afraid no one would hear.

Erica was irritated. No one had dared threaten her like this before.

“On behalf of Juan Nichols? Who do you think you are? Are you holding any position at the Nichols Group, or are you here today as his mistress?” Erica’s words drained Shelia’s face of color. Behind Erica, Randy was dumbfounded. The battle between the women was thrilling.

“Security, get her out!” Erica commanded.

Shelia was frustrated that Erica was impervious to reason. She looked around, but no one moved to intervene. She found it hard to believe. ‘Aren’t they afraid of offending Juan?’

As the situation escalated, Martin stepped forward quickly. “Mr. Nichols is keen on collaborating with you. We can’t let one unrelated person jeopardize our potential partnership. Miss Miles came here to apologize on Mr. Nichols’s behalf and discuss future projects. Some people are trying to sow discord.” He glanced at Debra, insinuating, “They’re trying to prevent us from partnering.”