421


    The sky was dark, and after Shelia saw the news on TV at Edgar''s home, she began to fidget.


    There, on the screen, was Juan, and nestled beside Melody was none other than Hester. The media was abuzz with spection that Hester was poised to rece Debra as the next Mrs. Nichols. Shelia''s hands fluttered to her slightly rounded belly. That old bat wants Hester to take my ce in the Nichols family. Over my dead body!!


    Edgar was unhinged, and she couldn''t stay with him. If she wanted to survive, she had to cling to Juan like a lifeline.


    As Edgar emerged from the bathroom, Shelia instinctively recoiled, but she quicklyposed herself. She had to y this smart.


    "Edgar," she began, her voiceced with caution. "I haven''t been home in days. I miss my dad. Can I..."All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Edgar''s sneer cut her off. "What are you scheming again?"


    "No schemes. I just miss home."


    Edgar''s eyes narrowed, his voice as cold as ice. "If you''re thinking of crying to Den about how I''ve mistreated you, think again. I hold your secrets, Shelia. One word from you, and you''re finished." Shelia bit her lip to stay collected. "Edgar, you''re misunderstanding. How could I betray you? You hold all the cards. I wouldn''t dare risk it."


    "As long as you understand."


    Edgar went to change his clothes. To him, Shelia was just a pawn. If she stepped out of line, he''d discard her without a second thought. Shelia bit the bullet and asked again, "Can I go home?"


    "If you must," he said, his voice dripping with disinterest. "But remember, my people will be watching. Don''t try to run, or else..."


    "I won''t," Shelia agreed hastily. "I''ll follow your orders."


    Her priority was to get away from Edgar. Once she was free, she''d find a way to reach


    Juan. Even if Juan refused to help, Melody would never let her grandchild suffer.


    Edgar had someone send Shelia off. His secretary hovere nearby with a worried expression. "Sir, are you sure about letting her go?"


    "She won''t reveal anything," Edgar said firmly. "She has her agenda. It''s better if she doesn''t see what''sing."


    "Understood."


    "Have we finalized the arrangements with the Potter family?"


    "Yes, sir. We''re scheduled to visit the trainees first thing tomorrow morning."


    "Good."


    "However, Ms. Frazier is also among the trainees. If you run into her..."


    A few days ago, Shelia had caused a car ident, injuring Michael. Debra, in her fury, had demanded an exorbitant sum of five billion.


    If they met, it would be a powder keg waiting to explode.