"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?"