The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

Chapter 75

Deborah was stunned by what she had just heard.

"And to clear up that nasty accusation from earlier, I never neglected you... What I did was ask someone very special to take on that task."

[What...?]

"Someone's been watching over Deborah?" Jayden asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not exactly," Nicholas replied, pointing to Caroline. "I couldn't approach you directly to help because Frederick was too close. So, I asked my niece for help. [Niece...] Deborah looked at her friend, who simply smiled.

"Yeah, my mom is his sister," Caroline said, stepping closer. "But before you think or do anything crazy, let me tell you that he asked me to become your friend and take care of you. Over time, though, I did it because I wanted to, not because I had to. I like you, Deborah, and you're my best friend," she said, taking Deborah's hands and looking into her eyes.

Deborah was amazed by what she heard, but when she felt her friend trembling slightly and saw the fear in her eyes, Deborah simply smiled before hugging Caroline tightly.

"Debbie..."

[Mission or not, you're my best friend, Caroline, and we're the two musketeers, always supporting each other.]

"Yeah... you're right, my dear friend," Caroline smiled, shedding a few tears.

[So, everything's okay?] Deborah asked.

"Of course," Caroline said, wiping away her tears with a laugh.

"I think the present is more important than how it all began," Christian said, noticing how happy they both: looked.

"I agree," Elliot said, amused.

"And while Caroline was helping me with Debbie, I was the intermediary, keeping an eye on and buying everything they sold. We stored it all in a special house."

[So, I didn't lose any of my mom's things?]

"That's righ

right, my dear. Everything is safe. In fact, each purchase is a new lawsuit against them because they weren't allowed to sell anything from the house," George explained.

"And everyone at the company they sold is waiting for you. They've been watching the trial on TV," Nicholas mentioned.

[Everyone?]

"I contacted all the employees who quit or were fired to hire them back. I also explained what happened, and of course, they decided to return to work because they're loyal to your grandfather's and your mother's ideals, Nicholas explained. "In fact, many are already waiting for you to take over the company.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 25

[All of Grandpa's old employees?] Deborah asked excitedly.

"Yes, and I heard from a little bird that you're an excellent accountant," Nicholas said, glancing at his

niece.

"That's true," Jayden added. "She recently helped me with my company in that matter."

[Well, it wasn't that big of a deal because your accountant had already done most of the work and-]

"Deborah, don't sell yourself short. I've seen how good you are at your job," Christian said.

guy, right?"

"Let me guess, the company is operating in the shadows to avoid drawing attention from that gu Jayden asked, looking at George and Nicholas.

"Even if he finds out it is operating, he can't do anything because he sold it," George said, showing the proof of purchase.

"And these are papers my niece will use when we validate the will," Nicholas said, handing a folder to Christian. "They had no right to sell Deborah's belongings."

"That plan is brilliant because not only do we recover the money thr t from selling those items, but those same purchases are evidence against them," Jayden commen...d.

"Yes, we had to adapt to the new reality we were facing after Alexandra's death," Nicholas said.

[But why are you telling me all this now?]

"Because you've decided to change," George said.

[What....]

"Come on, Debbie. Before, you only tried to endure without resisting your father's and his family's abuse," Caroline scolded her. "Even after you turned 18, you continued living with those leeches. If they gave you money, I have no doubt Frederick would have found a way to steal it all."

"That's true," Jayden agreed. "Even I held back from doing what I wanted because you seemed content with your life. But now, you've broken free from those chains, seeking happiness."

[They're right. I was weak and -]

"I wouldn't say

ay weak," George said, stepping forward to take her hand. "You went through a lot at a young age and were afraid to do anything that might make you lose the little you had. It was your way of protecting yourself."

"But it still sounds cruel, leaving her alone to face them," Jayden started to complain, but then felt Deborah take his hand to get his attention.

[I think they did it for my own good. They're right... if they had given everything back to me and I left that house, Frederick wouldn't have rested until he stole all my money, using the cheap excuse of being my biological father.] Deborah started to shed a few tears. [Besides, maybe everything happened for a reason. Now, I'm sure of what I want to do, and most importantly, I won't fall for his false words of paternal love that I always longed to hear.]

"Debbie..." Jayden hugged Deborah to comfort her.