The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

Extra 34: GiftsRêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

"James, you're being mean to me," Howard complained, pouting.

"Huh? Me?" James replied. "Why?"

"Because you've set the bar too high with your award.

"Son, take your studies at your own pace," said Elliot. "You don't need to compare yourself."

"But, Howard, I've got bad news for you. At this rate, I'll probably get an award for my GPA next year too," Elizabeth announced. "So the bar will be twice as high

"What?" Howard looked at his cousin in shock.

"That's right because Ellie also has perfect grades in her business administration course, commented Samantha.

"Congratulations," said George.

Thanks, Grandpa."

"We're so proud of her, and we're going to give her all the support for her new company," said Jayden. When his daughter turned 17, she surprised everyone by announcing that she wanted to start her own clothing company. So, in addition to her tailoring courses, she enrolled in the business administration program.

1 guess you'll be busy setting up the company this year," Erika commented.

"Yes, but it won't be too hard because, thanks to my daughter's plans, we already have the initial capital to start it," began Nicholas. "Still, since a lot of money will be needed, I've been making some extra investments and moving more of that money around so that when she graduates, she'll have a solid base to start with."

"And I'm so grateful for that, Grandpa," Elizabeth said, hugging him and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"We're also helping Grandpa," said the twins.

"What? Really?" asked Howard.

"Yep, we're helping him find good places to invest Ellie's money so she'll have a lot of money," declared Nicole.

"I imagine that help comes with a price," Elliot said.

"Obviously! Ellie promised she'd make our clothes unt we're old," Michael replied, sticking his tongue out.

I'd say that's a fair price," Elizabeth said, doting on her little siblings.

"Wow, you've got a bunch of geniuses in the family," said Erika, noticing that Jayden and Deborah were very proud of their four kids.

"Thanks, Grandpas, you've really surprised me with all this," James said while enjoying another sip of his soda, as he wasn't much of a drinker.

"And there's still something very important left," Eric commented.

"Shall we?" Nicholas asked.

"Yes," said George.

Their grandchildren were a bit confused as they watched the three of them stand up and go to the center of the room, taking the microphones a waiter handed them. "Ladies and gentlemen," Nicholas called out.

"If we could have your attention for a moment," Eric requested.

"James, Howard, come to the center," said George.

The boys smiled and stood up, heading over to their grandfathers with the whole family accompanying them.

"As you all know, at a party, the guests of honor receive gifts. So, first," George began, as one of the waiters approached, carrying a wooden box to give to Howard, "Howard, this is for you." Howard took the box, looking a bit confused until he opened it, and a big smile spread across his face. "Is it like yours?" he asked, looking at his dad.

"Yep," said Elliot.

James smiled when he saw the box because he knew what it contained, having received the same gift

when he turned fifteen.

"These tools have been gifted to all members of the Peterson family. They'll help you create jewelry and will also be useful to you in the future," George said. "Thank you, Grandpa," he said, running over to hug him with a big smile since Howard loved making jewelry with his dad.

""You're welcome."

"Well, that gift is special to the family, but the next one is something the three of us wanted to give you," said Nicholas, signaling for the next gift to be brought in.

Howard turned around and saw three walters coming in with boxes. He ran over to see them, tearing off the wrapping and shouting with excitement as he revealed his gifts.