Melody realized Jeffrey had gone mad for Claudia. She regretted ever allowing Claudia to get close to him.
Later, when Jeffrey decided to leave, she had a terrible argument with him. In the heat of the moment, she swore that there would no longer be a place for him in the Nichols family.
After that, she poured all her energy into raising Juan. Just like Jeffrey, little Juan was intelligent, rational, and steady.
When he grew up, she made careful plans to arrange a suitable marriage for him. This time, she would not let things go out of hand.
Debra then came into view. She was from a prestigious literary family with a history spanning a century. She was a perfect match for Juan.
The Frazier family was on the verge of decline, but that was even better. A woman from a struggling family would know her place, be content with her role, and dedicate herself to taking care of her husband.
Most importantly, Juan didn't like Debra, which pleased Melody. It meant he would never abandon the company for her.
But never in her wildest dreams did she expect Debra to be just like Claudia.
She had done everything for the Nichols family, but in the end, both Jeffrey and Juan left her. Jeffrey even wanted to end her life.
The thought of it made her feel as if she were choking on blood. The metallic taste lingered in her throat, but she couldn't spit it out. She wanted to scream, but no sound came out.
All she could do was wait for death to claim her.
...
Hearing footsteps outside, Debra tensed involuntarily.
In her previous life, she had loved Juan too much. So much so that she had taken the initiative to learn everything about him.
She had seen old photos of Jeffrey, even though Juan never mentioned him in front of her. But never had she imagined that Jeffrey wasn't dead. Far from it, he had been orchestrating everything from the shadows all along.
"I mean you no harm. Juan is my son, and I know he cares for you," Jeffrey smiled. "If you could start over, would you be with him?"
"I would not." Debra's response was cold and unwavering.
Jeffrey was dazed because Debra's resolute look resembled that of Claudia.
Claudia had been like this when Melody asked her if she was willing to give up everything to marry into the Nichols family.

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