In the tense silence that stretched out, Michael made no move to let Shelia get up.


    Edgar, trying to smooth over the situation, interjected, "Jade was indeed harsh with Ms. Frazier, but it was due to old grudges. I had a long talk with herst night, and she assured me that she''d let go of the past."


    He turned to Shelia, his gaze encouraging. "Jade, didn''t you sayst night that you were ready to bow and apologize to Ms. Frazier?"


    Shelia nodded eagerly, her eyes wide and repentant. She stepped forward and bowed deep. "Debra, I''m truly sorry. I let my feelings for Mr. Nichols cloud my judgment, and I did terrible things to you out of jealousy. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." Debra looked at Shelia''s innocent face, her brow furrowing slightly. Shelia seemed genuinely repentant, but Debra knew better than to take things at face value.


    There were only two reasons for such a drastic change: either Shelia had truly turned over a new leaf, perhaps under the influence of true love, or she was biding her time, ying the victim until she could strike back.


    Given her recent dream, Debra believed it was the former. A leopard never changed his spots.


    "Last time, Miss Miles pped me twice," she said, her voice steady and clear. "A simple bow isn''t going to cut it."


    Shelia bit her lip. "If you want to hit me back, I won''t utter a word ofint."


    Her fragile demeanor made it seem like Debra was the one being unreasonable.


    Debra raised an eyebrow,


    unimpressed "You''re pregnant, and I can''t p you. Besides, I think a mary settlement would be more appropriate. Mr. Houston gave me five billion as a settlement for the p from Mr. Odom. So, Miss Miles, if you''re truly sorry, perhaps you''d be willing to match that amount."


    "Five billion?" Shelia nched, her eyes widening in shock.


    Since being acknowledged as a ir, she''d only received a million as pocket money. Where was she supposed to get five billion? She turned to Edgar, her eyes pleading.


    Edgar took a deep breath, his jaw tightening. "Ms. Frazier, that sounds an awful lot like extortion."


    Debra shrugged, unfazed. "Not at all. It''s simply an acknowledgment that resolving this isn''t as simple as a bow. Besides, she hurt Michael, my meal ticket. With the Frazier Group bankrupt and my shares in


    McKinney Group reduced to crumbs, I''m relying on Michael''s earnings. If his face, a star''s most valuable asset, is damaged, even five billion won''t be enough."


    Michael coughed a bit, shocked by her audacity. The head of McKinney Group, a woman with billions to her name, was ying the poverty card with a straight face.


    Edgar rubbed his temples, realizing


    he''d have to bail Shelia out. "Alright, I''ll cover the five billion for Jade. But Ms. Frazier, remember your words. Our grudges are settled from now on


    "That''s for sure," Debra replied.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Edgar stood up with a sour expression and called out to Shelia, "Let''s go."