It seemed that Juan would get away with punishment.


    *Pleasee with us to the police station," said one of the police officers.


    His tone was much softer, but this was not an oue Juan wanted.


    Joe chimed in, "Didn''t your chief exin the situation to you?"


    The officer nodded, unmoved. "He did, but we still need the three of you to


    Their insistence prevailed, and Juanid his eyes on Marion. ''Is Marion behind this?


    Debra was also surprised. She didn''t know that Marion''s influence had already permeated Seamar City.


    In her previous life, Marion had only established himself here three yearster. She wondered how he had gained such clout so soon.


    "We are just doing our job. Please don''t make this difficult for us, Mr. Nichols,


    the officer reiterated, gesturing for them to follow.


    It appeared that a trip to the police station was inevitable.


    Juan cast Marion a cold nce. "Mr. Huston, well yed."


    "Likewise," Marion responded, escorting Debra out of the hotel.


    Two police officers nked Juan, shielding him from the media frenzy as they exited the building.


    "Mr. Nichols, is it true that you kidnapped your wife and attempted rape?"


    "Mr. Nichols, Ms. Frazier mentioned divorce at the funeral. Did you have a disagreement over this?"


    "Mr. Nichols, there are rumors you have a child out there. Is that true? Are you trying to salvage your marriage?"


    The reporters'' queries were relentless, each one more provocative than thest.


    Marion helped Debra into the police car, and she asked him, "Did you do this?


    Marion nodded. "Just a small punishment for a big lesson."


    The Nichols family was notorious for their obsession with reputation. It was especially true for Melody, who valued the family''s honor above all else. This scandal would be a bitter pill for her to swallow. "I didn''t expect your influence to spread so quickly," Debra said, turning her head away.


    Marion''s expression softened. "Are you still mad?"N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    "It''s not exactly anger. It''s just the unpleasant feeling of being yed."


    "I said I''d take responsibility for Cathryn. Her father helped me once, and now that he''s gone, I''ve promised to look after her. Anything beyond that isn''t my concern."


    "She has deep feelings for you, and you sound so heartless."


    "Who can me me when my heart is already promised to someone else?"


    Debra rolled her eyes at his melodramatic confession. "Did Randy teach you that?"


    Marion mused, "It does sound too sappy, doesn''t it?"


    Debraughed, amused by his words. "She sees you as her fiancé. With your flirtatious nature, you must have quite a few past flings."


    Marion curled his lips. "Now I smell jealousy."


    Debra averted her gaze, but Marion gently turned her face back. He whispered, "But I like seeing you jealous. It shows you care at least a little."