The substitute bride is a mute

Chapter 21

When Clark carried Judy into the car, she felt like she was in a dream. She no longer felt the pain in her knees. For the first time, she thought that the man was not as cold and heartless as he appeared on the surface.

Sitting in the car, she looked at him and gestured, "Why are you helping me?"

He had yet to answer the question she asked in the teacher's office. He seemed out of character to go to such lengths to set up this trap for her.

Clark frowned at her signs. Although he could not understand sign language, he could tell from her grateful gaze what she meant.

"You don't need to thank me. I'm not doing this for you."

His tone as cold as his expression, he continued, "I investigated this matter only for the sake of the Reid family's reputation. Once you marry into the Reid family, you're part of it. It's best to stay in your place. If you cause any more trouble, don't blame me for being ruthless."

His icy voice echoed in the car, instantly extinguishing the warmth in her heart.

Of course, why would he bother to do anything for her sake?

Thinking back on his attitude toward her the night before, Judy couldn't help but shiver, feeling a chill down her spine. Clark would definitely kick her out if something like this were to happen again.

Nobody said another word on the way home.

After dropping her off at the Reid residence, Clark instructed the driver to take him to the company directly.

The car sped along the city's main roads.

"Mr. Reid, everything concerning the school has been taken care of. There won't be any more rumors about the incident from years ago. The media has retracted all their articles and are issuing their apologies."

Clark was leaning back in the backseat for a break. His strong features reflected on the car window, appearing even more stern and serious.

"It's unlikely that a mere P.E. teacher could stir up such trouble after all these years."

"Are you saying that someone has orchestrated all this?"

"Investigate thoroughly before handing the case over to the police." © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"Yes, sir."

…

The next morning, the news of a P.E. teacher molesting a female student made the headlines. Following that, several other victims of his also voiced out.

Their news soon overshadowed the previously trending article mentioning "Mrs. Reid", and public opinion online became overwhelmingly one-sided…

"Waters, the P.E. teacher, has been handed over to the police for further investigation. Regarding the suspect's multiple sexual assault attempts over the years, our reporters will continue to follow up and update the public on the progress…"

On the large television screen, news reporters were solemnly reporting the legal news of the day.

"Nowadays, you really can't trust the news. It changes every day," Sally muttered discontentedly as she turned off the TV while seated on the living room sofa with her arms folded.

She initially thought she could use this news to drive away the annoying mute, but she had not expected her to be the victim. What surprised her even more was that Clark had personally investigated the matter.

"Could it be?" she pondered as she frowned.

How would that be possible? Clark was raised by her own two hands. How could he have any feelings for a handicap?

However, she couldn't understand why he was still keeping Judy in the Reid family.

"Ma'am, Ms. Blake is here."

The housekeeper's voice brought Sally back from her thoughts.

"Jenna is here?"

She quickly stood up to welcome Jenna, saying, "Why have you come so early in the morning? Did you… see the news?"

"News? What news?" Jenna asked as she sat down on the sofa, looking at Sally with confusion.

"It's about the mute… your sister's previous news. It's now been found out that she was falsely accused. The P.E. teacher at your high school was reported, and now he's been arrested by the police."

"What? How is that possible?"

"Why are you asking me? You previously claimed adamantly that your sister was involved with the P.E. teacher, didn't you? How did the situation turn around so dramatically? Clark will probably call me a slanderer now!"

Sally was clearly implying that this was all Jenna's fault.

Slightly taken aback, Jenna wore an astonished look as she said, "Mdm. Hebert, that incident caused an uproar in the school, and everyone knew about it. How come everything settled down after Clark went to the school?"

Hearing this, Sally's expression froze.

"Anyway, the reporter who wrote the news has some guts. They published the article even when knowing that my sister was Mrs. Reid. They seriously aren't afraid to offend the Reid family."

Reminded by Jenna's words, Sally was shocked.

"Are you suggesting that Clark did this for the sake of the Reid family…"

Jenna lowered her head to sip her tea and forced a smile, absolving herself of any responsibility.

"Mdm. Hebert, let's just pretend nothing happened. After all, my sister is now Clark's wife. We're a family now. We rise and fall together."

That last sentence carried deep implications.

Sally's face fell at the sudden realization.

With Judy's history of deceiving Jenna and replacing her to marry into the Reid family, she did not doubt Jenna's words, especially considering Clark's strange behavior.

How could he go to such lengths to clear the name of a mute girl? It must be for the sake of the Reid family's reputation.

That damn mute woman!

With that thought in mind, Sally put down her teacup and said impatiently, "Lora, where's that mute? Where did she run off to? Doesn't she know there are guests at home? Shouldn't she come out to welcome them? She has absolutely no manners!"

"I'll get her to come down right away."

Meanwhile, Judy was resting in the bedroom.

Despite being drenched in cold water the day before, she did not dare to drink the honey lemon tea Clark had prepared for her.

She began to shiver all over after returning home in the morning, so she wrapped herself tightly in the blanket while still trembling.

Suddenly, a loud slam on the door woke her from her nightmare. She opened her eyes only to see Lora standing at the door.

She said, "Mrs. Reid, why are you still sleeping?"

Judy reached out from under the blanket and feebly gestured, "Is there something wrong?"

"Stop with the signing. I can't understand," said Lora, her tone full of disdain. "Ma'am asked you to go downstairs. Ms. Blake is here."

"Jenna is here?" Judy’s heart sank.

After struggling for a while, she got up with gritted teeth.

The incident from high school had suddenly resurfaced, and Jenna was most probably involved. After all, the person who wanted to drive her out of the Reid family the most was Jenna.

Her threats had been unsuccessful, so this was most likely her retaliation.

Although she did not want to get too entangled with Jenna, she had to handle things carefully because Clark disliked her causing trouble for the Reid family. At the very least, she could not afford to go head-to-head with Jenna anymore.

She changed into a plain white dress and went downstairs. There was not a trace of color on her face, and her steps were somewhat unsteady as she descended.

If she hadn't held onto the staircase railing, she might have stumbled down easily.

"Judy, why do you look so unwell?" Jenna asked as she looked up at Judy, pretending to be concerned.

Sally, on the other hand, gave Judy an impatient glance and scolded, "Who are you pretending to be sick for? Are you trying to let your family know you're not doing well in our family to tarnish our reputation? You've brought this upon yourself."

Judy stood at the staircase, too drained to even argue back.

"What are you standing there for? Go get some refreshments for Jenna. A bastard is always a bastard who lacks even the most basic hospitality. What an ill-bred peasant!"

Listening to Sally's commanding tone, Judy silently clenched her fists, but she could only nod reluctantly and head to the kitchen.

Jenna's gaze shifted and she asked, "Mdm. Hebert, it seems like Judy is not feeling well. I'll go help her."