"We''re staying," replied the two partners in unison.
Debra scanned the room. "And the rest of you? All staying?"
"Yes. No one''s leaving," they quickly replied.
A single feast couldn''t beat steady meals. Juan''s lower rates came with no long-
term guarantees. Cutting ties with McKinney Group meant losing four partnerships
at once. That was too costly.
Debra crossed her arms. "Well then, mind telling me what Nichols Group
promised to make you gang up on me?"
Emmett stepped forward. "It was Mr. Jordan Potter and Mr. Nichols. They said
they''d undercut your prices by 10%, with extra perks like priority partnerships and
top-tier promotions."
Debra nodded. "How generous! No wonder you flocked to them."
"We were momentarily blinded by greed," replied the partners.
Ben took a phone call and whispered, "Madam, Mr. Nichols is here."
Debra''s jaw tightened. "Is he the important person you mentioned in the earlier
call?"
Ben shook his head. "I''m not sure, but this morning, the front desk did mention
someone making an appointment."
Debra remained silent for a moment. "We can''t let him appear here. Go stop him."
Ben quickly went to carry out the
order, but before he could open the
door. Debra looked up and saw Juan
standing at the entrance.
Thest time Debra had seen Juan was the day Liza had been rescued.
Their eyes met, but they saw nothing but coldness from each other.
"Mr. Nichols." Debra''s voice dripped
ice. "Barging in uninvited? Not very
refined of you."
The partners shrank back at the sight of him.
Juan''s gaze never wavered. "I''m here to talk to you."
"Next door." Debra moved to leave.
Juan stopped her. "Just here. I insist."
Heels clicked sharply outside. Juan
stepped aside as a woman walked
in, and the room gasped.
"Who is this?"
"What is going on?"
Debra looked at the person''s face, a hint of disbelief crossing her own.
Alexander blurted, "How does she look so much like Mrs. Houston?"