Some board members immediately voiced theirints.


    "Mr. Nichols, we have important-matters to discuss. Let''s not bring in unrted people."


    "Ms. Frazier is associated with McKinney Group. Who knows if she might leak information to them?"


    Debra maintained a stoic expression, her eyes scanning the room filled with the so-called old guard of Nichols Group.


    She hadn''t expected to find herself in the middle of their arguments. If it weren''t for Juan holding the reins, these stubborn old directors would probably have run thepany into the ground by now.


    "Debra is my wife, and her presence here is perfectly reasonable," Juan reasoned,


    "Mr. Nichols, she isn''t one of us and won''t prioritize thepany''s interests. I suggest you have her leave. Otherwise, we won''t befortable discussing sensitive matters."? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "I''ve transferred 20% of thepany''s shares to her. Now, she''s part of Nichols Group, holding more shares than any of you. Does that still matter?"


    Joe was shocked. "Mr. Nichols,"


    This was a major share transfer, and he hadn''t been informed. But the most stunned of all was Debra. She stood there, her eyes wide with astonishment and confusion. Twenty percent of the shares. What did that mean?


    It meant she was now one of the highest-ranking members of Nichols Group, second only to Juan. With those shares, she held significant power, enough to influence major decisions and even challenge Juan if she wanted to. She whispered, "Juan, think this through. This is a huge decision."


    "I''ve thought it through. No one or anything is more important than you," he replied, his voice gentle yet resolute. "I''ve never been as calm and sure about anything as I am now."


    Debra


    was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze. She couldn''t understand why things had changed sc suddenly.


    There was no way Juan would care for her like this. Shelia was supposed to be his true love.


    Debra had witnessed his love for Shelia and had seen the way he looked at her. But the gaze he held now was even more affectionate and more sincere.


    Suddenly, Debra realized this wasn''t a deception.


    "Do any of you have objections?" Juan asked.


    The room fell silent, no one daring to speak against him.


    "Then let''s start today''s discussion," Juan dered.


    Joe quickly provided Debra with a chair, and she sat down beside Juan. Various thoughts distracted her from listening.


    The discussion centered around Nichols Group''s strategy to deal with McKinney Group andunch apletely new business to ovee the current project pressures. This required substantial financial support and innovative nning. Debra nced at Juan several times throughout the meeting. He was deeply engrossed in the discussion, showing no intention of hiding anything from her.


    Noticing her distraction, Joe leaned in and whispered, Madam, are you feeling unwell?"


    "I''m fine. I''ll step out for a moment," replied Debra.


    She stood up, and the room fell silent once again. All eyes were on her as she dered, "You guys continue. I''ll sit this one out."


    No one objected. Juan, his voice filled with affection, said, "If you''re tired, go to the lounge. I''ll have Joe prepare your favorite snacks."