The substitute bride is a mute

Chapter 9

Judy remained at the hospital. At around 10 pm that night, Matthew called her again.

She ignored it for half a minute, but the phone kept ringing persistently. In the end, she gritted her teeth and answered.

His voice was unusually cold. "Jenna said you left the manor in the morning, so I guessed you'd be in the hospital with your grandmother. I assume you know why I revoked the funds?" Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

She pursed her lips. She knew—it was because she didn't complete what he'd asked of her.

He laughed, "You don't want to go back to Reid Manor anymore, do you? I'm telling you, Judy, you better go back! Else, I'll make it so no hospital within the city will admit your grandmother.

"You know I can do it if I wanted to. However, if you don't believe me, you're free to test out that theory. If your grandmother ends up dead, it'll be all your fault."

Judy's expression shifted.

She gripped her phone tightly and her breathing quickened from rage. Right now, she wished she could speak and express all the things she hated about this father of hers.

Matthew smiled in satisfaction as he accomplished his goal.

"You'd better be obedient, you can't afford to bear the consequences if you don't."

After he hung up, her gaze fell on Lilly on the hospital bed.

"If I were more successful, I wouldn't be subjected to my father's blackmail. Grandma would've been able to get the treatment she needs sooner too." She thought dejectedly.

At 11 pm, she drew a deep breath and called a cab to Reid Manor.

The maids were all asleep by the time she got back.

Judy hadn't had anything to eat or drink the entire day. So, she discreetly headed toward the kitchen to look for something to eat.

She'd just reached the living room when she was spooked by a shadow in the corner. Evidently, the man also spotted her.

Why was Clark here? Where is Jenna?

"What are you looking for?" Clark asked as he watched her survey their surroundings.

She pulled out her pen and paper and wrote, "Sister."

His gaze darkened and he stared at her. "Are you not afraid that I'll have her take your place?"

Stunned by his question, she didn't know what to say.

He lightly tapped on the edge of his burning cigarette. The ashes fell onto the ground and he lifted his eyes to look at her.

"Jenna Blake will be staying at the manor," he said. "From now on, I hope you understand what can or cannot be said in her presence."

She froze for a brief moment. Was he warning her not to get on Jenna's nerves?

She thought about how determined Jenna looked to get with Clark during the day and gradually lowered her eyes. All these years, it had always been Jenna who was picking on her. Why would she go and look for trouble on her own?

If it were possible, she'd wished she didn't have to interact with her at all.

Unfortunately, things were rarely the way she wanted them to be.

The next morning, Jenna proceeded to knock on Judy's door.

"Judy, I heard from Mdm. Hebert that the pond in the garden is pretty nice. Would you like to go take a look with me?"

She looked like a bright and harmless child as she stared up at her in anticipation.

Judy casted a quick look around them. Lora and the maids were all looking in their direction. There was no telling what they would say about her if she turned Jenna down.

Therefore, she nodded in agreement.

The pair walked toward the garden together. The Reid family manor was extravagant to say the least, even Judy was in awe.

Adam Reid had apparently stepped down from his position ten years ago and had been living at the main house since. Under Clark's management, the business was even bigger than the peak of Adam's career.

In the industry, no one could take advantage of him. At the same time, there were also countless people who wanted to get on his good side.

The rich and wealthy Reid family had a pond that was the size of an entire swimming pool. The water was filled with all types of expensive fish. Judy accompanied Jenna as she watched the fish from the top of a vintage bridge.

They spent an hour or two admiring the scenery in peace. But just as they were about to leave, Jenna suddenly pushed Judy from behind.

However, Judy turned around only to be met with a huge splash—Jenna had fallen into the pond.

"Help! Help–"

Judy froze.

Jenna had obviously put on a show. How can the enormous Reid Manor not have surveillance cameras? She'd be exposed as soon as they checked the footage.

Jenna had always been smart, did she not think of that?