Chapter 19
Timothy had decided to marry her, and every single member of the Lawson family was against it.”
In the end, it was Phelps who made the final call, silencing the rest of the family.”
Still, Jessica knew perfectly well that even if everyone opposed him, Timothy wouldn’t care in the least.”
Seven years ago, she could feel it–his determination to marry her was unwavering.
And so, for seven long years, she’d lived in a waking dream.!!
Jessica lowered her gaze, lashes casting shadows on her cheeks.
What was she supposed to do now?!
When Timothy set his mind to something, who could possibly stop him?”
Her silence seemed to grate on Phelps, who slammed his cane against the floor in frustration.}
“You’re mute, not deaf!” he snapped.
Jessica lifted her eyes, rimmed faintly pink.
The only person in the Lawson family who’d ever shown her a shred of courtesy had now turned on her too.
She turned away.
She was a dying woman–there was no reason to stay and endure the Lawsons‘ contempt any longer.”
When Phelps saw her heading for the door, he struggled to his feet, calling after her.
When
“Jessica!”
She didn’t slow down. She walked into the living room, grabbed the handle of her suitcase, and left The Gilded Whisper Estates. Phelps’s face turned from pale to purple with rage.
He had come to warn her out of kindness, and she had the nerve to give him attitude.
If Mrs. Lawson didn’t want the title anymore, he’d find someone else!!
Fuming, Phelps stormed off.”
Meanwhile, Mabel was a bundle of nerves. After turning things over in her mind, she finally decided to call Timothy.”
At that moment, Timothy was attending a charity auction with Sheila and Henry.}
When he saw Mabel’s name flash on his phone, he declined the call without hesitation.
If Mabel was calling him now, it could only be to report that his wife had been missing for hours and ask if they should call the police..
He had no intention of calling the police.
Jessica’s world revolved around him and Henry; she would never truly leave The Gilded Whisper Estates.)
Besides, she was an orphan with no real skills–where could she possibly go without him?}
Tonight’s charity gala was important.
He’d done his homework.
There was a particular item up for auction that Sheila had been eyeing for ages.
No matter what, he was determined to win it for her tonight.
The auction proceeded in an orderly fashion.2
Timothy scrolled absently through his phone, uninterested in the items so far. He hadn’t raised his bidding paddle yet; the piece he wanted was the highlight of the night.2
Sheila, on the other hand, had placed a few bids on minor trinkets–just for charity’s sake.
“The next item up for auction is a diamond ring.“%
Upon hearing that, Timothy finally looked up.”
But when the enlarged image appeared on the big screen, he instantly lost interest and glanced down again.”
The diamond was a large, oval–shaped stone–impressive in size but hardly attractive.
The auctioneer continued, “This ring is unique not just for its size, but because it houses a tiny voice device. Connect it to your phone and it can speak on your behalf–it has several functions…”
Timothy’s attention returned, his gaze sharpening as he listened.
When the auctioneer announced the starting bid, Timothy raised his paddle.
Sheila noticed–it was the first time all night Timothy had shown interest.
Earlier, the auctioneer had demonstrated the ring’s features: it was fitted with an Al system capable of simulating a real human voice.
The previous owner had been mute; her husband had the ring custom–made for her.”
So, Timothy was planning to buy it–for Jessica?!
Sheila discreetly activated the voice recorder on her phone, slipping it into her pocket, feigning ignorance about Timothy’s bid.
Timothy, I think this ring would be perfect for Jessica,” she said sweetly. “It would make it so much easier for her to communicate with people who don’t know sign language. Why don’t you get it for her?”
Timothy’s eyes darkened, deep and inscrutable.”
After a moment, he said, “Alright.”
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