In Debra''s memory, the Nichols family''s true rise began during the generation of Juan''s grandfather, who then passed on the reins to Juan''s father.


    Debra had never heard Juan mention much about his grandfather''s era, and in this house, there wasn''t even much left to remind anyone of him. "Yes," Juan confirmed.


    "So, does that mean the Nichols family business has been around for a century?" Debra asked.


    Outwardly, the Nichols Group always boasted about being a century-old enterprise. But truthfully, the family''s wealth and sess had only been built up over a few decades.


    In those early days, they were more like nouveau riche, which was why Melody always hoped her son and grandson would marry well-educated, upper-ss women from esteemed families. "Probably," Juan replied. "My grandparents didn''t build their fortune in Seamar City. I don''t know much about their past."


    Debra fell into silent thought while Juan lit three sticks of incense. Handing them to her, he seemed to invite her to take part in the ceremony.


    Debra took them, bowed respectfully, and ced them into the burner.


    Juan watched and then said, "It''s done now. Everything isplete."


    "I don''t really care about all this," Debra responded tly. "What you should care about is giving Melody what she wants-a grandson. She''s getting old and desperately wants to see the next generation." She turned to leave the hall. Juan was about to speak, possibly to stop her, but a woman''s loud voice rang out from outside the door.


    ""Let me in!"


    "Miss Vargas, you can''t go in. Mr. Nichols is talking to Mrs. Nichols."


    "Mrs. Nichols? Move aside!"


    Themotion startled Debra just as she stepped out of the hall. She looked up to see Hester-being restrained by two maids in the elevator.


    As soon as she saw Debra, Hester''s face twisted with anger.


    Juan was annoyed. "Who let here up here?"


    "S-sorry, sir, Miss Vargas insisted. We tried to stop her, but she wouldn''t listen."


    "Yes, Miss Vargas heard that you had returned, and she..."


    The two maids kept their heads bowed low, knowing all too well about Juan''s temper. It was clear that Hester''s arrival was thest thing he wanted right now "Juan."


    Hester took a step forward, attempting to grab Juan''s arm, but he coldly avoided her touch.


    "Miss Vargas, please conduct yourself."


    Hester bit her lip, her eyes flickering with desperation as she nced at Debra. Without warning, she dropped to her knees, grabbing onto Debra''s arm.


    "Ms. Frazier. I beg you, please. Let me be with him. I already belong to Mr. Nichols. Melody has agreed to let me join the family. Juan wants to reconcile with you, but I can''t go on living like this."C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Debra looked down at Hester groveling at her feet, a faint smile curving on her lips. "Miss Vargas, you''re not the first woman to kneel in front of me and say those words. But I think you''re barking up the wrong tree." Then, turning her gaze toward Juan, she added, "This is something for you to handle."


    She shook off Hester''s grip and stepped aside.


    Juan said coldly, "I thought I made it clear to you, so stop trying to make things up. There has never been anything between us."


    Hester said desperately, "Juan, I know you''re only saying that because Ms. Frazier is here. But what happened between us is true. Melody told me to stay by your side. That night..."


    THE