As twilight deepened into night, the g was hosted at the Nichols family''s old house.


    Melody was against Juan engaging She, but Juan, being the decision-maker, had the event implemented.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Outside, Debra sat in her car, watching as a parade of luxury vehicles rolled up, each more opulent than thest. She had once dealt a crushing blow to the Nichols family when she established the McKinney Group, yet their web of influence remained firmly in Juan''s grasp.


    Her past leniency had allowed the Nichols Group to rise again within a few months.


    "Madam, we''ve arrived," Ben prompted.


    Stepping out of the car, Debra was greeted by a familiar, albeit unwee, voice." Well, if it isn''t Debra."


    She turned to see Eve and Ashley emerging from theirvish ride. Eve was draped in a silverce gown that clung to her curves, diamonds shimmering like stars against the night. She was a vision of extravagance, while Ashley, in a sweet pink sheath dress, seemed almost demure byparison.


    Debra arched an eyebrow. "Miss Cameron, you look quite resplendent this evening."


    Eve smirked, her eyes raking over Debra''s simple ck mermaid dress, adorned only by an emerald ne. "Well, my family spares no expense. Unlike some, despite their bankrupt families and imprisoned uncles, they still dare to show up so inly." Young and na?ve, she mistook Debra''s understated elegance for simplicity.


    Debra merely smiled, "You''re radiant. I couldn''t possiblypete. I''m sure all eyes will be on you tonight."


    Eve preened, basking in the perceivedpliment. Ashley grabbed her arm and said, "Let''s go inside. No need to linger here."


    "Yeah."


    As they swept past, Ben frowned. "Madam, why tolerate her disrespect?"


    Debra waved a dismissive hand. "This banquet is essentially Juan and Shelia''s engageme nouncement. Eve is dressed like she''s the star of the show, not the


    supporting act. She''s digging her own grave. There is no point in wrestling with her."


    Entering the grand residence, Debra saw that Eve''s couture gown had indeed be the center of attention. She must have spent a small fortune on it, and in any other setting, she might have shone brightly. But here, her choice would cost her dearly. Oblivious to the subtle scorn, Eve sipped her wine,pping up Ashley''s praise.


    "Eve, you look stunning in this dress. Everyone''s eyes are on you. If Mr. McKinney were here, he''d be smitten."