Shelia''s senseless words shattered the thin veil of pretense andid bare the truth that Melody had been exaggerating. Melody''s expression darkened like a storm cloud gathering on the horizon.


    Debra, however, feigned confusion. "I was sincerelyplimenting Melody. Why would you think I''m mocking her?" "Because..." Shelia paused, realizing she''d put her foot in her mouth.


    She nced nervously at Melody, whose face had turned thunderous. "Grandma, I didn''t mean it."


    "Shut up!" Melody snapped, her eyes shing with anger.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    She had personally trained Shelia, but the stupid just couldn''t be smart.


    Shelia was still a fool at heart, incapable of discerning what should or shouldn''t be said at a time like this.


    Debra''s smile looked downright mocking to Melody. She could barely contain her fury, turning to Juan with a stern voice. "Juan. Let''s go."


    Juan knew better than to defy Melody. After casting onest cold nce at Debra, he prepared to leave with Melody.


    However, they found their path blocked by Marion''s men.


    Melody shot Marion a furious look. "What is this about?"


    Marion met her gaze calmly, but his tone was icy. "Shelia insulted Debra, so it''s desirable if you can teach her some manners. Once she bows and apologizes, you can all leave." Juan was annoyed. "Marion, don''t push your luck!"


    "Juan..." Shelia tugged at his sleeve, biting her lip and looking pitiful.


    Seeing how adamant Marion''s men were, those olddies began to panic.


    One after another, they advised Melody.


    "Just have Shelia apologize, or we''ll all be stuck here."


    "The Houston family is not to be trifled with. If she doesn''t apologize now, you and your family won''t be living in peace."


    "That''s right. Since Ms. ir was in the wrong, it''s only fair to apologize."


    Melody shot a withering look at Shelia. "What are you waiting for? Since you started it, you should apologize."


    Shelia couldn''t believe what she was


    hearing. But Melody''s expressions


    was stone-cold, brooking no


    argument. "You don''t want tomake everyone wait on you."


    "Grandma, it wasn''t Shelia''s fault," Juan chimed in.


    "Be quiet!" Melody snapped, ring at him. "As the head of the Nichols family, you should have a sense of propriety If Shelia made a mistake, you shouldn''t blindly defend her. What will people think of you?"


    Her scolding silenced Juan.


    Melody turned back to Shelia and demanded, "Do it, now."


    Shelia felt humiliated and bit her lip.


    Without a choice, she walked over to


    Debra and bowed deeply. "Ms.


    Frazier, I was out of line earlier.


    Please, forgive me. I''m terribly sorry."