The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

The Andersons were itching to punch Deborah for the idiocy she had just spouted. They had none of that money left... In three days? They would never be able to gather the nearly $800,000 they had borrowed over the three years of marriage. The twins' plan was in shambles; they had intended to force the mute girl back home to steal her money, believing they deserved it as the beloved children of their parents.

Caroline watched their faces intently, smirking as she discerned their obvious thoughts.

"So... why did you come over? I doubt it's to talk to Deborah," Caroline commented.

"Well, believe it or not, we do want to talk to her," Cassandra insisted.

"That's right, we're very worried about my big sister," Ernest added.NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.

"Actually, we wanted to tell you that if you want, you can come back home, Debbie," Vanessa said, trying to sound kind and understanding.

[Oh really? And why would you want me back home?]

"Deborah, come on, stop joking. We're your family, and we're worried about you," Fredrick said.

"Worried? I never saw you visit Deborah at the apartment. And now I find you very diligently asking for money with that same excuse," Jayden chimed in.

"Most likely, they're using the family card to make Deborah go home and then steal her alimony," Caroline observed, noticing their scowls.

[Typical, it's all they know how to do: take advantage of everyone around them. It's no wonder they change friends every season.] Deborah signed, letting out a silent sigh.

"I can confirm that. The rumors about them among my friends are less than flattering. Everyone avoids them because they just ask for money to pretend they're rich and live in debt," George added. Fredrick clenched his fists tightly, trembling with rage and shame.

"You don't have to insult us like that," Vanessa said furiously.

"Ma'am, no one is insulting you," George replied. "I'm just repeating what everyone says about you, and of course, how the Anderson family lost its prestige when the

legitimate heir died and her husband married you, a barmaid from a seedy joint, correct?"

Vanessa ground her teeth in fury.

"Let's drop this and go have a celebratory meal," Jayden said, taking Deborah's hand.

"Can we join?" Elliot asked.

"Of course."

"Let's go, then" George agreed.

"Uh... hey, George, are you really going to leave your wife and son in jail?" Vanessa asked, stunned as the Petersons walked away.

"Yes... they deserve it for underestimating and discriminating against my now ex-daughter-in-law. Although, I think some others should be in prison too," he said, glaring at the Anderson couple. "Deborah, let's go home. We even prepared your old room," Vanessa said.

"Huh? Really?" Cassandra blurted, only to be silenced by a stomp from her brother.

[No thanks, I don't want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.] Deborah frowned. [You made my life miserable since my mother died. I don't want to go back to that supposed broom closet that was my room.] "Deborah, why are you saying that? You're making us out to be monsters," Vanessa said nervously when she noticed more people were paying attention to their conversation.

"Why do you think?" Christian asked sarcastically, crossing his arms.

[By the way, since you're here, Fredrick, I want you to know that I'm going to recover all my mother's belongings and reopen the case of her death.]

"What are you insinuating with that stupidity?" Fredrick was so angry he no longer cared about his language.

[I want to know the truth about the day I lost my mother.]

"Hah... don't be ridiculous. Your mother died in that stupid car accident because she was drunk."

[You're lying. She never drank while driving, especially if I was in the car. It was too convenient that she died the same day she asked you for a divorce after catching you +15 BONUS

with Vanessa.] Deborah frowned. [I might have been a child but I was fully aware of what was happening around me. You were about to lose everything for adultery, so I have my suspicions about that supposed accident.] "Watch your words, you insolent girl," he declared, raising his hand.

[Go ahead, hit your unwanted daughter. But remember, you kept me alive because, without me, you can't access my grandparents' money. They never trusted an opportunist like you to inherit the family's fortune.]

"Now I understand why the Andersons fell from grace when the legitimate heir died. Opportunists took over," Jayden said.

"You don't know what you're talking about, idiot," Cassandra snapped.

"Cassandra, shut up."

"No, let your sister speak. It only shows how fake she is," Jayden said, smirking. And now everyone knows it," he added, pointing behind them.

The family turned to see reporters and photographers still in the room, keenly listening to their words.

They were utterly terrified. The reporters started to swarm them, asking about the conversation and the possible conspiracy surrounding Alexandra Anderson's mysterious death.

With the reporters occupying the Andersons, the rest managed to slip away to their cars.

"That was brilliant," Elliot said. "Two birds with one stone."

"That was Deborah's idea," Caroline noted.

"Yes, I suggested doing something drastic to spark interest and make it easier to reopen the case. Normally, accident death cases aren't reopened because the evidence is considered irrefutable," Christian explained. "But since there's doubt whether it was an accident, we can reopen the case."

[Exactly, because I still have my doubts. Now that I don't have to worry about Roger, I want to know the truth.]

"And I'll help you with anything you need," Jayden said.

"Count on us too, Debbie," Elliot said, with George nodding in agreement.