Decian stormed out of the room, leaving behind a wave of stifledughter from the eavesdroppers in the next room


    It was hard to believe a supposedly phnthropist could arque so bitterly with a renowned olddy.


    Randy was holding backughter so hard that his face was turning an interesting shade of red.


    A loud crash echoed as Melody, in her rage, upended the table. The sudden noise startled everyone, and a waiter rushed in to clean up the mess. Only then did the suppressedughter burst forth.


    "I didn''t expect Melody could be so harsh. She was almost cursing." Erica said. "This is the juiciest thing I''ve ever heard."


    She turned to Debra and continued. "This has dashed Shelia''s hope of marrying into the Nichols family,


    Debra raised an eyebrow. "With things having turned out like this, Melody has no more reason to keep Shelia around."


    In truth, someone like Jade would have been a prime marriage partner for the Nichols family. Her age was suitable. Her family background was impressive, and her schrly upbringing was admirable. Den was respectable and manageable. Melody would have been particrly pleased if Shelia turned out to be Jade, given Juan''s past affection for her. With Shelia pregnant, Melody must have thought she could eventually persuade Juan to divorce Debra.


    But now, that path was closed. An unmanageable fake daughter would never be favored by Melody, and Den had defied her like that.


    For a proud and old-fashioned woman like Melody, the direct challenge was a surprise that would not go unpunished.


    "Have some fish," Marion said softly, interrupting Debra''s thoughts.


    He had meticulously removed all the fish bones and ced the dish in front of her.


    Erica, oblivious to this small gesture, raised a question. "But what about the child Shelia is carrying? Juan will be more unwilling to divorce you."* "Edgar will raise the child. As for Juan... Debra hesitated,N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    growing difort beside her.


    ing Marion''s


    His movements slowed, as if waiting for her response. She cleared her throat, trying to dispel the sudden tension.


    "Let''s eat first. The food is getting cold."


    She ate in silence, asionally ncing at Marion. He remained calm, continuing to serve her and hand her napkins.


    His attentiveness made her feel a pang of guilt, and she identally choked on her food when Marion was handing her a cup of tea.


    Randy and Erica exchanged puzzled looks, sensing the strange atmosphere between Debra and Marion.


    That evening, Marion drove Debra back to her apartment. As they pulled into the parking lot, he opened the passenger door and took her bag.


    "I''ll walk you up," he offered.


    Debra felt a flutter of nervousness in her chest as they rode the elevator in silence. At her door, she unlocked it with her fingerprint and prepared to turn on the lights.


    Suddenly, Marion held her wrist, pushed her gently against the wall, and leaned in to capture her lips in a kiss.


    In the dimly lit room, with the door not fully closed, Debra felt an electric shock course through her body and let out a soft moan. Marion''s hand wrapped around her waist, his palm transmitting its warmth through the thin fabric of her dress to her skin.