Juan''s words annoyed Debra.


    Michael swiftly stepped in front of her and shot back, "It seems your taste has taken a bit of a nosedivetely."


    His gaze flicked to Shelia, his tone sharpening. "I wonder what tricks Miss Miles used this time. You seem to have an uncanny connection with the rich and powerful."


    Shelia''s smile remained firmly in ce. "Juan and I are soul mates, and we are engaged. Since you''ve been locked up at the police station, I presume you don''t know about Ms. Frazier and Mr. Houston''s engagement. But still, the way you two are pulling on each other is indecent."


    Michael''s disdain for Shelia was written all over his face, but before he could form a retort, Ben got out of the car and jogged up to them.


    He said, "Mr. Austin, it''s good to see you free atst. Mr. Houston is waiting in the car. We should get going."


    Shelia saw through the lie instantly, her voice dripping with mockery. "Oh, Ben, are you covering for Mr. Austin now? Mr. Houston just let his fiancéee out herete at night to pick up another man? Does that even sound believable to you?" "You''re jumping to conclusions, Ms. ir," Ben replied.


    Juan chimed in, "Shelia has a point. If Mr. Houston really is here, he should show himself. That way, we can avoid any misunderstandings."


    His open protection of Shelia disgusted Debra, but unfortunately, Marion hadn''te with her.


    If he didn''t show up right now, those people might spread rumors to tear down both her and Michael tomorrow.


    Michael couldn''t afford another hit to his reputation.


    Just as these thoughts swirled through her mind, a figure emerged from the shadows. Shelia''s smug expression froze the moment she saw who it was.


    Marion strode over without


    hesitation, slipping his arm around


    Debra''s waist as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Debra blinked in surprise, her hearto skipping a beat.


    Marion''s gaze flicked toward Juan, taking in Shelia clinging to his arm like a lovesick teenager.


    Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "A few days apart, I didn''t expect you to be back in the arms of another woman."


    "You too," Juan countered, his gaze softening as itnded on Shelia. "It''s gettingte. Let''s head home."


    "Okay," Shelia replied, resting her head against Juan''s shoulder.


    But just as they were about to leave, Marion''s voice rang out again. "Mr. Nichols, I think I heard your ancée insult mine just now. I didn''t imagine that, right?"


    Juan and Shelia stopped in their tracks.


    vel


    Marion''s arm tightened around Debra''s waist, and he sneered, "I- don''t take kindly to anyone


    mistreating my woman. It doesn''t matter who they are."


    Juan''s eyes narrowed. "You''re saying Shelia should apologize to Debra?" Marion was unperturbed. "Bow and apologize."


    "Are you saying this because you don''t take me seriously?" Juan said coldly.


    Marion''s lips curved into a smile, but his eyes remained cold and unyielding. "It seems you are quite self-aware."This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    The air between them crackled with tension as neither man showed any sign of backing down.


    Shelia tugged at Juan''s sleeve and whispered, "It''s fine. This is on me, and I''ll apologize to her."