Debra''s remark left Melody trapped.


    Of course, she had the money. But all her assets had been ced under the Nichols Group''s ountants, and getting her hands on such arge sum at once was impossible. Yet, as the matriarch of the Nichols family, she couldn''t admit that she didn''t have the cash on hand in front of others.


    Forcing aposed smile, she said, "Of course, I understand that not everyone can appreciate the finer things. Since you don''t want it, there''s nothing more I can do." She took the ring back, and Debra grabbed her arm. "That''s right. Now, how about we go get the cash together?"


    Melody was caught in a dilemma. In the end, she led Debra back to her room.


    She opened therge chest she had hidden under the bed. The gleaming gold bars and bricks were stacked high, filling the chest with an undeniable, heavy wealth.


    Debra nced inside, her expression an exaggerated disy of surprise. "Wow, I didn''t expect you to be this wealthy."


    Melody smirked, her fingers brushing one of the gold bricks. "Your family may be a century-old schrly family, but I doubt you''ve ever seen this much wealth."


    Debra chuckled, the mockery in her tone barely hidden. "True, this chest holds more than most people could dream of in a lifetime. But does it add up to one billion dors?"


    Her words froze Melody''s smile. The glittering gold bars might have been impressive, but their total value wasn''t so much.


    Sighing, Debra shook her head. "No wonder you didn''t want to use cash. Turns out, it''s just not enough."


    Melody brushed off thement. "Maybe I don''t have enough here, but Juan does. I''ll just have him fill in what''s short." Debra''s smile grew sharper. "But all of Juan''s money is in my hands now."


    That hit Melody hard, her eyes narrowing.


    "What are you saying?"


    "I guess I can lend you one billion dors. But considering Juan and I just got remarried, don''t you think it''s time you show some appreciation to your granddaughter-inw?"


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    "So, that''s your game, huh? You''ve finally shown your true colors. Well, let me tell you something. Don''t expect to get a penny out of me."


    "Oh, you misunderstand. I don''t want


    any of your things. But if you can''t


    Melody''s face flushed with anger and embarrassment.


    Debra took her hand and continued, "I''m trying to help you here. I don''t want anything from you. I''ll lend you one billion dors, but in return, why don''t you leave this chest here as coteral? We can draw up an agreement. Once your repaymentes in, I''ll return the chest to you, untouched. You have my word."


    Melody was skeptical. "Could you be so generous?"


    "Well, I don''t want Juan to be caught in the middle of all this," Debra replied. "If he and I can live in peace, I will treat you with all the respect you deserve."