Chapter 85

Erica clapped, praising Debra’s strategy. “That’s brilliant!” A faint smile played on Debra’s lips. She didn’t intend to target Shella specifically, but Shella’s scheme prompted her to take action.

At noon, Shella slowly descended from the second floor, struggling a bit due to her injured leg. But upon seeing Sophie working in the living room, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of superiority.

“Sophie, I’m hungry. Prepare lunch,” Shella said, her tone lacking any politeness. It was a far cry from her softness in Juan’s arms last night.

Sophie didn’t welcome Shella, but since Juan had brought her back, she had to hold back her annoyance. “Lunch is served at twelve o’clock, as per Mrs. Nichols’s rules.” The mention of Debra struck a nerve.

“I said, I’m hungry. Didn’t you hear me? Is this how you do your job?” Shella sulked, her temper frayed by the pain and frustration from her injured face. Sophie, choking back her fury, reluctantly complied. After all, Shella was favored by Juan.

Shella settled contentedly on the sofa and switched on the TV. There was no TV in her dormitory. Not just the TV, but even the guest rooms here were furnished with the best bedding. Last night, she had a restful sleep. She even looked forward to sleeping in the master bedroom one day. That would be heavenly.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. Shella frowned. “Sophie, don’t you hear that? Go open the door!”

Sophie, resentful of being bossed around, reluctantly opened the door. To her surprise, it was Melody. “Mrs. Nichols Sr.?”

Melody’s keen eyes swept across the room as she strode in. Shella quickly stood up from the sofa, losing her previous arrogance and high spirits.

“Mrs. Nichols Sr…” Shella stuttered nervously, not expecting Melody’s visit.

“It’s you again!” Melody said coldly.

“Mrs. Nichols Sr., it was she who drove Mrs. Nichols away,” Sophie chimed in, fanning the flames.

Shella’s face changed color as she tried to explain, “That’s not true!”

Melody simply stepped forward and slapped her across the face.

Shella grunted in pain, her cheek instantly swollen. Melody narrowed her eyes and spat, “Shameless wench, what do you take the Nichols family for? Do you think someone like you belongs here?”

The rims of Shella’s eyes reddened, but she managed to hold back her tears. Juan rushed in, having learned of Melody’s visit. Confronted with the scene, he called out, “Grandma!” He shielded Shella in his arms, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Juan…”

Juan felt sorry to see her swollen face. He frowned and turned to Melody, “Grandma, I brought Shella here to recover, and Debra left on her own accord. It has nothing to do with Shella.”