The substitute bride is a mute

Chapter 2

After a restless night, Judy awoke with soreness plaguing her entire body.

The man she had spent the night with was nowhere to be found, leaving behind only the faint trace of his woody musk lingering in the air.

Dragging her weary body to the bathroom for a much-needed shower, Judy then made her way downstairs. There, she was met with a middle-aged woman. Her arms were crossed and a frosty glare fixed upon Judy.

Recognizing her from photos her father had shown her, Judy realized it was Clark's aunt, Sally Hebert.

According to what Judy had heard, Clark had lost his parents at a young age and had been raised single-handedly by Sally. Later, Adam Reid had brought them both back to live in the manor.

Clark had gone on to build his own business empire and had treated Sally like his own mother ever since.

Sally eyed Judy from head to toe as she spoke sharply, "That old fox Matthew Blake didn't keep his word. He knew we wanted Jenna, but he still sent a mute like you over anyway.

"Did he think the Reid family was a dumping ground? I don't know why Clark let you stay, but since you're here now, you'd better know your place. Don't think you've hit the jackpot just because you've married into the family—our family is no fool."

With a dismissive wave, Sally ordered, "Alright, go get breakfast ready now. You should play the role of a dutiful wife now that you're here!"

Despite the Reid manor having plenty of maids and servants, Sally insisted on having the newlywed bride prepare their meals.

Under Sally's piercing stare, Judy lowered her eyes, recognizing the futility of arguing with someone like her. With no power or authority, she knew she couldn't match Sally's influence.

Resigned to her fate, Judy turned and made her way to the kitchen. It was just a meal, after all— nothing worth making a fuss over.

Yet, her acquiescence only seemed to fuel Sally's disdain, reinforcing her belief that Judy was weak.

Sally let out a scoff, her lips pursed in contempt. "Truly embarrassing and shameful!"

Judy paused for a moment before walking away as though nothing had happened.

Not long after, Clark returned home.

Sally beckoned him with a smile to join them for dinner. He turned his head and immediately saw Judy with an apron around her waist, bustling about in the kitchen.

He frowned at the sight.

Sally, noticing his reaction, chuckled. "She insisted on preparing the meal. Maybe she wants us to try her cooking?"

He simply nodded and didn't say anything more.

Judy, raised by her grandmother, was adept at all sorts of household chores and cooking.

She soon presented them with a full-course meal, impressing even the maids, though they harbored little respect for the new Mrs.

From their perspective, only those of a lower class knew how to tend to people—those from high society were only ever tended to. Throughout the meal, the servants focused their attention on

Clark Reid, seemingly ignoring Judy's presence.

Feeling increasingly uneasy, she took a few bites of her food, nodded at the pair and got up to leave.

After she left, Sally's lips curved in contempt. "How rude. Does she think she can act so arrogantly just because she's mute?"

Without lifting his head, Clark picked up a document and began reading it.

Sally rolled her eyes and continued when he didn't reply.

"The Blakes have no idea who they're messing with. Did they think giving us a mute was acceptable? This is crossing a line!

"And they still expect you to fund their family business? They can dream on!"

Familiar with her nephew's methods, she wasn't too concerned about being taken advantage of by the Blake family. Rather, she was just bothered by the fact that he married such an embarrassment for a wife. The other wives would surely ridicule them for it.

However, Clark remained silent, his expression unchanged.

It was clear he wanted no part in the conversation, so Sally attempted to lighten the mood.

"Dom is finally returning after years of medical school in Fulguria. You can't expect him to introduce a mute as his sister-in-law, can you? It'll be a joke to anyone who catches wind of this."

She suggested, "Why not let her go after a while? I'll find another suitable Mrs. Reid for you."

Finally, he responded.

With a blank expression, he said, "I have my own plans. Don't worry, Aunt Sally."

Sally's face froze at his cold tone.

After he left, Lora approached her, offering comfort in a hushed voice.

"Mr. Reid only said that to ease your worries. Try not to dwell on it, ma'am."

Sally sighed, troubled. "How can I not? Ever since we rescued him from the human traffickers, his personality has changed. He's not as approachable as he once was.

"Though he brought me into the family and provided a comfortable life, I know he still harbors resentment. If only I had been more careful, he wouldn't have suffered so much."

The housekeeper struggled to find words. Clark had dominated the industry for a decade, but his demeanor had grown more distant. It was no wonder Sally was prone to overthinking.