Debra''s indifference was a mirror of Juan''s callousness. She used him just as he had used others. They were cut from the same cloth.


    Juan cast a frosty nce towards Shelia, his voice dropping to a low growl. "I''m warning you, Shelia. If you dare employ any underhanded tactics to harm Debra, I won''t stand idly by." Shelia nched and reached out to grab his hand. "Debra doesn''t spare you a thought. She doesn''t care for you at all. But I truly love you. Remember the joy we shared that night?" "Enough!" Juan snapped, shaking off her hand.


    His eyes shed with a dark intensity. "Never mention that night again. If you value your position at Tyson Enterprises, cease testing my patience. Otherwise, I''ll ensure that Arcane Academy kicks you out." Shelia froze in ce, knowing Juan wasn''t issuing nk threats. His actions were always harsher than his words.


    Juan turned on his heel and strode away, leaving Shelia rooted to the spot, a dejected figure in his wake. Joe nced at her and said, "Miss Miles, consider yourself fortunate that Mr. Nichols hasn''t exposed your deceit. Know your ce and abandon these fantasies of bing Mrs.


    Nichols."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Then he followed Juan out of the room.


    Shelia''s hands clenched into tight fists. "You think you can dismiss me so easily? I won''t let you have your way. The title of Mrs. Nichols is mine, and mine alone."


    Across town, in the office, Debra gently pushed Michael''s hand away." Everyone''s left for the day."


    Michael offered a warm smile. "Who said I was merely helping you? I


    was genuinely concerned you might be having a fever."


    Debra poured herself a steaming cup of tea. Michael continued, "But


    you seem as full of life as ever, so I suppose you''re fine."


    Setting the teapot down, Debra asked, "Is your work here nearlyplete?"


    "I''ll be wrapping up tomorrow," Michael confirmed, raising an eyebrow." Miss me already?"


    She scoffed, "Don''t tter yourself. I''m just concerned that once you''re gone, things might be more challenging for me."


    Lately, the female employees at thepany had been treating her with open hostility, whispering rumors that she was a power-hungry opportunist.


    Some even spread lies that she had been a call girl during her school. days, taking on questionable jobs to make ends meet.


    She knew Shelia was the puppet master behind these rumors, but she couldn''t be bothered to engage in such petty games.


    The McKinney Group''s issues were more pressing, and she refused to waste her energy on trivial matters.


    Michael''s brow furrowed in concern. "Have they started giving you


    trouble?"


    "Not yet," Debra replied. "But I suspect that they will do that once you''re gone."


    The female employees had been cautious while Michael was present, but Debra feared that his departure would embolden them.


    Michael fell silent for a moment, considering the situation. Debra reached out, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat. "I''ll face whateveres my way. I will be okay."


    Michael chuckled, covering her hand with his own. "As your loyal partner, I won''t let anyone bully you."


    She eyed him warily. "What are you nning?"


    He merely winked, cing a finger on his lips. "It''s a secret."


    Debra shook her head, baffled by his cryptic response.


    The following day, news of Michael''s departure spread like wildfire through thepany..


    Debra returned to her desk, only to find her once-organized workspace in chaos. Files were strewn about haphazardly, and herputer


    monitor was stered with sticky notes.