Shelia breathed a sigh of relief as Melody expressed her support.


    Hester, however, felt a growing unease gnawing at her. If Shelia gave birth to a boy in ten months and the child was confirmed to be Juan''s, her own chances of winning Juan''s affections would be reduced to nil. Melody turned to her and said, "Hester, prepare a room for Shelia to move into."


    "Yes, madam," Hester replied reluctantly.


    Shelia cast a smug nce at Hester. As a woman, she could see right through Hester''s feelings for Juan. She wasn''t about to let Hester have any opportunities to act on those feelings.


    "Mrs. Nichols Sr.," Shelia began, "could you have someone more experienced take care of me? What if something goes wrong with the baby if a young girl like Hester looks after me?" Her request was clear, even to the most oblivious of listeners.


    Hester''s face fell instantly, and she nced anxiously at Melody. She couldn''t bear the thought of leaving the Nichols family or Juan''s side. If that happened, she''d have no chance at all. "True. Let''s have Sophiee back to take care of you."


    "Mrs. Nichols Sr., what about me?"


    Hester started to protest, but Melody cut her off. "Hester, you''ve been away from home for so long. It''s time for you to return and honor your parents. It wouldn''t be right for me to keep you here." "I''m willing to stay and take care of you. Please don''t send me away," Hester pleaded.


    But Melody was not swayed. "Pack your things. Joe will take you home."


    Hester was dumbfounded and totally disappointed. After all this time caring for Melody, she was being dismissed so easily.


    Debra''s words echoed in her mind, and she realized the harsh truth. Melody had used her to create a sense of crisis for Debra. With Debra gone, Hester was no longer useful.


    And with Shelia pregnant, Melody wouldn''t risk having her around to potentially harm the baby,


    Melody was indeed shrewd and ruthless, her actions driven by cold calction.


    Shelia couldn''t help but smirk. The baby in her womb was her trump card, far more important than a mere imitation like Hester.


    "This is settled, then," Melody dered, her voice final. "Juan, you can go to work. I''ll handle things at home.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Hester pinned herst hope on Juan, her eyes silently pleading with him. But he seemed indifferent to her situation, his expression distant as he left without a word.


    Joe addressed her politely, "Miss Vargas, please pack your things. I''lle back to pick you upter."


    Hester was devastated, unable to utter a word. After Juan and Joe left, Melody returned to her room.


    Shelia sauntered up and raised an eyebrow. "Before you leave, please tidy my room. I think I''ll stay in yours."


    Jared at Shelia, her eyes filled with resentment.