Fortunately, the video stopped there, but it was clear that Christian had the entire recording. Isabelle was now terrified, especially when she noticed her husband furiously texting someone. She could also hear the audience murmuring and pointing fingers at her, disapproving of her double standards. This only added to her distress. "Well, I... it's not that I agree with my son's affair... but it's obvious that I will take care of my grandchild, no matter which woman gives birth to him," she declared, trying to appeal to the audience's humanity. With those words, many seemed to sympathize with the older woman. Christian smiled subtly and discreetly glanced at Deborah, who made a face and nodded. They had anticipated this scenario and had come prepared. Deborah sighed. Christian had predicted her ex-mother-in-law would use those words and thus planned a strategy to counter her argument. --- Flashback --- "Alright, Deborah, we’ve gone over all the questions you might be asked
“What?! You can’t—” Roger protested, jumping to his feet. “Yes, I can. In fact, I disagree with Mrs. Peterson’s request. You will be required to pay her $25,000 a month for her expenses and prenatal care.” “$25,000 is too much and—” “Shut up, Roger.” Roger turned around in shock to see his father standing beside him. “Don’t worry, Your Honor. This useless man will pay that amount promptly.” “You took the words right out of my mouth, Mr. George Peterson,” the judge said, smiling. “But to teach your son some humility, he will accompany your wife in a cell for 24 hours. Guards, take him away.” “What?! No! You can’t…” Roger tried to resist, but two policemen escorted him out. With that, the trial ended, and people began to leave. George and Elliot took the opportunity to approach Deborah. “Well… now you’re my ex-sister-in-law,” the teenager said sadly, running over to hug her. [You’ll always be my little brother to me.] Deborah smiled as she separated from the hug. [And no
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. “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 abou
After escaping from the reporters, Deborah and her supporters ended up at a nearby restaurant to eat and celebrate her victory. Out of solidarity, everyone ordered juice or soda to accompany their meal, though Deborah insisted it wasn’t necessary. “Here,” said Caroline, passing Deborah a glass of orange juice. [Thank you.] “Well, let’s toast to freedom and a new beginning,” Jayden said, raising his glass of soda, and everyone followed suit. “Deborah, tell me, what will you do now?” asked George. [What do you mean?] “Well, I remember you haven’t worked, and you’re expecting my grandchild, so…” [Oh, that. Don’t worry, I have a way to survive. Thanks to a friend, I got a job behind Roger’s back.] “That’s great, Deborah. I commend your initiative. Can I ask what the job is?” [I’m an accountant. I help with a government support program.] “That is excellent, Deborah! Congratulations,” George said, noticing how his words made Deborah blush a little. “And how do you do the
Jayden explained the details of the party. For a moment, Deborah felt unsure because she had never attended such events. However, recalling her new mindset of leaving the old Deborah behind, she accepted the invitation, deciding to go and have fun with him.Thus, the day ended, feeling long for some and short for others. The only thing that mattered was that it was a day that marked the lives of many, causing a drastic shift in their way of life.The next day began with a new drama for those who had spent the most uncomfortable night of their lives. Isabelle and Roger were being released but not without fury and threats to the officers accompanying them.“Just you wait. I won’t let this go,” Roger spat angrily.“How dare they let a lady like me sleep on the floor without a sheet or pillow,” Isabelle complained.“Don’t worry, Mom, they’ll get what they deserve. Do you hear me?!”“It seems a night in prison didn’t teach you anything,” said a cold voice. They turned to see George st
"But 25 thousand is a lot and—" "So what? You were giving 19 thousand to your mistress, so it shouldn't be difficult to come up with that money for yourself." "I could pay that amount if you give me back my job." "No, Roger. That's your punishment: you'll find a job like everyone else to support your mistress and pay child support to Deborah, without my financial help." "Wait... what do you mean by finding a job?" Roger asked, alarmed. "You need to find employment because you're fired from the company." "What?!" Both Isabelle and Roger were shocked. "George, isn’t that a little excessive? Roger is your son and—" "He's an employee who skipped work without any justification." "Without justification? He was in prison!" "But that happened because he annoyed the judge, didn't he?" "George, you need to be fair." "Well, I wasn't the one who fired him, it was his direct supervisor. And I shall respect Edgar's decision." "George, you can't do this to our son and—” "I
For a moment, Roger remained in a state of shock, because he had truly lost everything. It sounded so surreal. He was the eldest son of the Peterson family, the second-richest family in the country. And now, he had become a nobody with no money or family support. All because of that stupid mute. The moment he thought about Deborah, he clenched his fists tightly, swearing to himself that this wouldn't be the end; he would reclaim everything that was rightfully his no matter how long it took. "Son..." His mother's voice interrupted his thoughts. She was very distressed about everything that was happening, especially now that she was homeless. "Take it easy, Mom," he said, approaching to hug her. "This... this is just a rough patch. Everything will be sorted out in a few days." He tried to sound confident but even he had his doubts considering how set his father seemed to be in revoking their privileges. "Come, let's go to my apartment so you can rest a bit." "Yes... you're righ
Isabelle pointed at Sophia’s belly. “You’re mistaken, dear. That will be my second grandchild,” she said. “What do you mean?” Sophia was puzzled. “Deborah is pregnant and a month ahead of you,” Roger chimed in, arms crossed. Sophia’s eyes widened. “Wait, seriously?” “Yes,” Roger confirmed. “So using the baby to win my father’s favor won’t work, Sophia. He’s publicly declared that he’ll only recognize one grandchild, and that’s Deborah’s.” “But perhaps Sophia and her little bastard can help us,” Isabelle mused. “If Sophia’s child is a boy, we might still have a chance to reclaim everything.” Sophia interjected, “Wait, why do you call my son a bastard?” “Because Peterson Group has always been passed down to the firstborn,” Roger explained. “If Sophia’s child is a boy, logically and traditionally, we can fight to regain everything for him.” Roger’s excitement grew. “But what if Deborah’s child is also a boy?” Sophia felt a knot of worry. There was a detail she hadn’t sha