Chapter 97

The Nichols family had always upheld strict discipline, and Juan, raised by Melody, didn't dare dodge her strikes. Melody's blows were fierce, quickly covering Juan's body in bruises. Debra watched impassively as Juan gritted his teeth and silently endured the punishment. Melody didn't stop until the cane broke. "Will you apologize now?" she demanded.

Juan remained silent. Debra, knowing his stubborn nature, understood that his continued defiance after such a beating meant he had no intention of apologizing. She intervened, saying, "Grandma, please take it easy. I don't blame Juan. Let's call a doctor to check on him."

Debra's gracious act somewhat cooled Melody's temper. Melody, knowing Juan's personality well, realized that getting him to apologize was impossible. She had merely put on a show to appease Debra. Patting Debra's hand, she said, "Don't worry. I'll keep him in check, and I promise you, that woman will never set foot in our house again. You're the only hostess here." Debra smiled in response.

Kneeling on the floor, Juan shot Debra a cold glance. It was already dark. Melody instructed Joe to call a doctor and then left. Debra leisurely sipped tea on the sofa. Juan rose from the floor, his voice laced with disdain. "Have you had enough of your act?"

Debra stayed silent. Juan continued, "You threatened me with divorce and then tricked Grandma into kicking Sheila out. You're so smart. I underestimated you before!"

"Whatever you say!" Debra retorted, unconcerned with Juan's opinion. She stood as the doctor arrived, instructing him, "You can be a bit rough with the treatment. Mr. Nichols can handle the pain." The doctor fearfully glanced at Juan's dark expression and lowered his head.

For the next few days, Melody grounded Juan. The staff at the Nichols Group could only grumble, as Melody's authority was unquestionable. All office work was relocated to the Nichols family home. Debra understood that Melody was creating opportunities for them to reconcile.

On the third day, Juan, unable to bear it any longer, barged into Debra's room. She was sitting by the bed, checking the stock market. Seeing him, she quickly closed the screen. "Anything?" she asked indifferently.

Since his grounding, Juan had been unaware of Sheila's situation. From his expression, Debra knew he was worried about her; this concern was what prompted him to seek her out.

"If you don't want Grandma to find out I'm studying at Arcane Academy, you'll tell her to let me out," he demanded.

"You're mistaken. This is Grandma's decision. How could I possibly convince her to let you go?" Debra replied.

"Stop playing dumb!" Juan snapped, narrowing his eyes. Debra, also tired of staying at home, had been waiting for Juan to break first.