The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

Chapter 73

[It's you!] Deborah ran to hug the redhead, a wide smile on her face.

"You've really grown. You're not the little girl I remember," the redhead sald, amused, as he returned the hug.

Jayden felt a twinge of jealousy at the sight, although the man seemed somewhat older. Caroline, on the other hand, sighed and smiled, recognizing the person. It was time to reveal the truth. Meanwhile, Elliot and Christian watched the scene intently. "Dad, who is he?" Elliot asked, eyeing the redhead curiously.

"He's a friend," said George.

"You know, I'm surprised you recognized me," the redhead said, pulling away from the hug.

[It's because you haven't changed much.]

"Oh, that's a compliment. But you know, I haven't changed because I stole the fountain of youth," the man joked, making Deborah laugh.

Jayden cleared his throat, frowning at the redhead. "And you are...?" he asked, raising an eyebrow

[Right, guys, let me introduce you to Nicholas. He was my grandfather's best apprentice at the stock exchange.]

"Well, I'm not sure if I'm the best. That title belonged to your mother," Nicholas corrected, amused.

"Oh, an old subordinate," Elliot noted, seeing Deborah rod.

[But Nicholas, what are you doing here? I thought you went abroad to find work when the exchange closed.]

"Actually, I need to confess something, Deborah," George said, drawing everyone's attention. "The stock. exchange never closed its doors and is still operating today."

[What?! But... but that's impossible because Frederick dismantled it and sold it to the highest bidder.]

"That's why we called you here, I have... or rather, we have many important things to explain to you," Nicholas said, taking Deborah's hand to guide her back to her seat.

As she sat down, Deborah felt Jayden take her hand, his jealousy evident. She smiled and leaned in to kiss him on the lips, noticing how it brightened his mood. "Ahem..." George sought everyone's attention, noticing the couple blushing and laughing like kids who had just pulled a prank.

"Aww... how sweet. I know Alexandra would love to see this," Nicholas said, making Deborah blush.

"Well, let's leave that aside and get to the point. First, I want to apologize to Deborah for lying to her and keeping things from her all this time," George said. [George, don't say that. You haven't lied to m-] she began, but he interrupted her by taking her hands and giving her something.

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Chapter 75

"To start my apology, I give you this, which I've always been keeping." George said.

Deborah opened her hands and felt her breath catch in her throat. He handed her her mother's locket, a piece of jewelry she thought Vanessa had sold.

"What a beautiful piece," Elliot said, examining it.

[But... where did you find it?]

"As I said, I've always had it because your mother gave it to me for safekeeping in case something happened to her."

[I thought it was in her chest with the other jewelry Vanessa stole from me.]

"It's a lovely piece. Does it have a picture inside?" Jayden asked, taking the locket as Elliot tried to open it.

"It doesn't open," Elliot complained.

[There is a special trick to it.] Deborah explained, taking the locket and showing that it unlocked by turning a small rose-shaped ornament. Inside was a photograph of a brunette woman hugging a little girl, both had big smiles on their faces. [This photo was taken the last time w it to the beach.] Seeing the image, Deborah felt a wave of nostalgia.

"You look a lot like your mom, which means you'll be even more beautiful as you get older," Jayden said, looking at the photo. His comment made Deborah blush, momentarily forgetting her sadness.