The specter of her past loomed large, and the last thing Shelia wanted was for it to be paraded in public. Joe's hint was as subtle as a freight train, his implication crystal clear.

The Nichols family couldn't afford to welcome a former mistress, fresh off the heels of a lost child, into their esteemed household. They needed to maintain appearances, present a united front, and resurrect their floundering reputation and finances. Declan, grasping the situation, said, "Jade, don't make a scene."

"Dad..."

"I understand Mr. Nichols' concerns," Declan said, turning his attention back to Joe. "He's doing what's best for the Nichols family. Since you've divorced Debra, how long must my daughter wait?

Juan remained silent, leaving Joe to fill the void. "Six months. The contract with Ms. Frazier ends in six months. Until then, Miss Blair will have to be patient."

Shelia bristled, "Why should I wait? The position of Mrs. Nichols should be mine!"

"Silence!" Declan barked.

Shelia shrank back in submission.

Declan stood up. "Well, six months it is. I trust Mr. Nichols will keep his word."

Juan nodded. "Naturally."

presenting the cooperation agreement to Declan. "Though Mr. Nichols isn't engaged to Miss Blair, our business dealings with the Blair family will continue. You can rest

Nichols family meant he no longer needed

I'll make sure Shelia understands her

arm, dragging her out of the room despite her

I need to

and it won't change. Use your brain." "But..."

with Debra. It was intolerable. "Dad, I can't stand watching Debra still take

cause any more trouble.

is a warning.

out

for what

next."

Swno

Declan's eyes had vanished replaced by a cold, calculating gaze. Shelia

Swnovel.ne

the precariousness of her

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