Juan opened the car door, helping Debra inside before sliding into the driver''s seat himself.


    Hester hurried after them, but by the time she exited the restaurant, Juan had already sped off with Debra She was left behind and unhappy.


    *Some people think copying my style will impress Juan," Shelia said smugly as she emerged behind Hester.


    Hester straightened herself, with confusion evident in her voice. "Do I know you?"


    Shelia scoffed, "Don''t y dumb with me. Debra once tried to catch Juan''s eye by imitating me. Now, you''re just a worse copycat."


    Just a moment ago, she hade up with an excellent n. The position of Mrs. Nichols was hers for the taking.


    No one couldpete with her for it, not Debra or Hester.


    "Is that so? But I don''t think Juan takes you seriously either, so there''s no point bringing up the past," Hester countered, flicking her hair. "After all, you''re just a poor student sponsored by him, while I am a fairdy. I would never consider you apetitor because that would be beneath


    me."


    With that, she stepped down from the curb and drove away in her luxury car, leaving Shelia fuming.


    "Fine," she muttered under her breath, her hands clenching on both sides. "If you want topete with me, I''ll make sure both of you disappear."


    In the speeding car, Debra gripped the seat. "Juan, are you crazy? Why


    #


    are you driving so fast?"


    The car was well over 120 mph, and she couldn''t understand what had gotten into him.


    He pulled over, mming the brakes so hard that Debra lurched forward, nearly hitting the dashboard


    "What''s gotten into you?" she snapped.


    Juan''s face was dark, his tone usatory. "Did you orchestrate it?"


    Debra avoided his gaze, feigning ignorance. "I have no idea what you''re talking about."


    "How did Shelia coincidentally show up at the restaurant? And how did Hester know I was bringing you here?" he croaked. "I''ve indulged you, but I''m not stupid. What are you up to? To push me to them or..."


    Debra maintained herposure. "You''re overthinking. It''s all just a coincidence. Shelia happened to be there, and Hester appeared because of Melody''s instructions. It has nothing to do with me."Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Juan studied her expression and softened his tone. "If you had asserted status and confronted Shelia, I would have been happy. That would mean you still want to be my wife. If you wanted Hester and Shelia to fight each other, I''d be d too. That would mean you still care about


    1. me.


    He paused, his gaze intense. "You didn''t confront them because you didn''t care."