My Mute Bride Chapter 24
After returning from the Burton Residence, Amber was on cloud nine.
Upon entering through her house door, she was immediately called out by Jefferey. “Where have you been, Amber?”
Since Amber had just set foot into the house and hadn’t noticed her father sitting on the couch, she was taken aback by his voice. “… I went to the Burton Residence… You wanted me to get close to Justin, right?”
“Foolery!” After smacking his hand against the table, her father sprung up from his seat. “I asked for you to get close to the family, not fool around as you wish! Explain the news to me.”
She asked guiltily, “What news? I-I’ve got no idea.”
“As if!” Jefferey was utterly vexed as he said, “You’re my daughter, and I’ll never allow you to be married to such a rascal like Justin Burton. You’ve seen what he’s capable of, and he’s a bone-deep schemer!”
After having countless exchanges with Justin, Jefferey had long figured out that the former was a man who never let his actions be limited by moral boundaries. Otherwise, Jefferey wouldn’t have taken the risk of offending the man by sending Rachel over as a substitute spouse.
On the other hand, Amber, who had a different opinion, saw a slight relief of tension on her father’s face and immediately took the opportunity to grab his arm. As she tried to charm her father, she expressed, “Don’t worry, Dad. In truth, Justin treats me very well. Earlier today, he even gave Rachel a good scolding right in front of me, believing whatever I told him! From what I see, there’s no point letting Rachel stay in the Burton Family.”
Gradually, she revealed everything that had taken place in the Burton Residence earlier. Of course, it was filled with twists of her own.
The more Jefferey listened, the uneasier he grew. “Listen to me, Amber-Justin is no simple man. Do you think he hasn’t seen through your subtle gestures?”
For a man who dwelled so deep in the business world, Justin had certainly witnessed every plot that could happen. Thus, how could he possibly fall for mere tricks of a
simple-minded girl?
“Jeez, Dad, don’t worry! I promise I’ll get married into the Burton Family, and by then, Justin would surely help with our business.”
“Amber!” Jefferey was outraged, and he revealed a glaring gaze as he rebuked, “This will be my last warning! I won’t allow you to proceed with this fantasy of yours. If you still insist on it, I’ll send you out of the country to continue your studies at once, and you’ll no longer have to even think about Julian.”
Amber dumbfoundedly stared at her father’s stern look and quickly swallowed up the words she was about to speak as a smirk froze on her face. It was not until she finally regained her senses that she nodded her head, agreeing to her father’s words.
Upon seeing his daughter so dispirited, Jefferey felt slightly sympathetic and patiently stated, “I’m only deciding this for your sake. Don’t be mad, okay? Go get some rest now. Justin’s coming to visit in the morning.”
“Justin’s coming to our place?” Amber’s eyes instantly twinkled.
Is he coming because he knows I’m hurt?
The next second, her father’s words shattered her dreams. “If Rachel was indeed of no use, she would’ve returned without her husband.”
“Return? Rachel’s coming back as well?”
“Of course,” said Jefferey. He then warned, “I’ve already told you everything I should, Amber. Please end everything you have going on with Justin, and do not cause any trouble tomorrow.”
Although Amber was dissatisfied, she didn’t dare to show her objection to her father.
In her mind, Rachel wasn’t even competition, so Justin had to be coming for her.
As for Julian, she had already formed a plan to bait him.
These men will surely fall under my grasp!
The next morning, Justin brought Rachel back to the Hudson Family.
In the living room were gifts of all shapes and sizes, which left the servants of the family peering in confusion.
Isn’t Miss Rachel said to be completely worthless in the Burton Family, even more so than the servants there?
Besides, the man was supposed to be hideous according to the rumors, but that wasn’t the case at all. Despite the scar on his face, his appearance was impeccable. Instead, the scar had proven to be a boost to his masculinity.
Upon seeing this, Amber was drenched in envy as she saltily uttered, “Wow, Justin, you’re so nice to Rachel. She’s very fortunate to have entered the Burton Family!”
“It’s Mr. Justin for you, Amber.” Jefferey shot her daughter a warning leer.
“Mr. Hudson.” Justin lifted his commissures and greeted, “These are some simple gifts I’ve prepared for you, including a couple of presents specifically chosen for the both of you since it’s our first time meeting.”
Upon those words, Amber’s eyes instantly glistened. “There’s a present for me too?”
With that, Justin glanced at Rachel.
Upon recognizing the signal, she handed a bag that she had been holding on to Amber.
Justin had given her the bag before they came down from the car, and she didn’t know what was inside it either.
Without showing any courteousness, Amber tore the gift open and quickly cried, “This is the necklace that I’ve been dreaming of! How did you know, Justin?”
In the bag was Tiffany’s newest release. Evidently, the amulet was very pricey, and it was highlighted by the diamonds glowing underneath the sunlight.
At that, Rachel was also stunned.
Although Justin had always been a generous man, for him to give his sister-in-law such a lavish item on their first official meeting was quite the surprise.
Jefferey felt awkward by this and said, “That’s too expensive for a gift. Return the gift,
Amber!”
“It isn’t much, Mr. Hudson-it’s merely a necklace,” Justin replied in a calm voice. All of a sudden, he grabbed Rachel’s hand and said, “After all, it’s a gift personally selected by a sister to another, isn’t it?”
When Justin clutched her hand, she felt a chilly sensation on her back while looking at his inexplicable grin.
Hesitantly, she nodded her head.
Meanwhile, Amber was certain that Rachel wasn’t the one who had picked the necklace, and it was solely an excuse to confuse Jefferey while allowing Amber to receive the gift. After bearing that thought in mind, she was exhilarated.
For a while, the group had a casual chat.
In the meantime, Rachel was silently peeling some fruits at the side. Just as she was about to bring the apples to Justin, Amber suddenly said, “It’s your first time here, Justin, so let me show you around!”
“Amber…”
“Jeez, Dad, you’re always talking about business during family moments. That’s so boring! I’m showing Justin around.”
As she spoke, she separated both of their hands and pulled Justin away before Jefferey could say anything else.
After withdrawing his vision from the duo, the father turned to Rachel with a cold gaze and interrogated, “Did you buy the necklace?”
Rachel put the plate of peeled apples down and nodded her head.
“You must catch him fast before he develops any intentions toward Amber.”
Rachel remained silent for a while before she signaled something. Amber has feelings for Justin. There’s nothing I can do if she were to approach him actively.
“She’s still an immature young lady. Are you going to let her do as she wishes?” Jefferey angrily stared at her. “No matter what, you’re still her sister. Are you going to
watch as she walks herself into the fire?”
Upon hearing that, Rachel felt a stab in her heart.
Amber and Rachel were only one year apart, yet her younger sister was the one to receive all the love from their father while she was unhesitantly shoved into the hell that was the Burton Family. Not only that, she was even guilt-tripped to continue doing so.
My sister?Other than to put on a facade, when had she ever called me her sister?
“You still owe me an explanation for the mess-up with the documents previously. You’d better fulfill your orders this time.”
Upon hearing those words, Rachel’s heart skipped a beat.
What does he want me to do right now?
She didn’t have the courage to anger Justin anymore.
Out of the blue, Jefferey’s tone turned gentle. “Rachel, you’re my daughter regardless of what happens. It pains me to see you getting mistreated in the Burton Family, so I’ll surely give you a solid spot in the family.”
After listening to her father, Rachel was stupefied.
Jefferey looked at her and handed Rachel a miniature paper bag. “As long as you bear his child.”
