Chapter 40
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,NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.
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 during the trial," Christian said during a visit to prepare her for the trial. [Thank you.] Deborah signed.
"But hey, won't there be problems because Deborah doesn't speak?" Jayden asked.
"Don't worry, I've already discussed this with the judge and requested a certified. interpreter for the trial, so we won't have that issue."
"That sounds good. I also gave the judge the name of a great certified interpreter to be present that day," Jayden said, holding Deborah's hand and smiling at her.
"There's one more thing I need your permission for, Deborah," Christian said, becoming slightly serious.
[What is it?] she signed.
"I plan to reveal your pregnancy if they bring up the topic of that woman's pregnancy."
[Oh... well... I...]
"He's right, they'll probably say something crazy about how the child is the heir to
the family and must be cared for, etc.," Caroline said, annoyed.
[I suppose if it's necessary, you can mention it, but I'm still against asking for child support because I don't want anything from him.]
"That's right, because you're a self-sufficient woman," Jayden said, winking at her.
[Besides, he never cared about me, and I don't want his false compassion, especially now that I know the real reason he wants me back.] Deborah recalled how Elliot had told her all about the family drama. "He's getting what he deserves," Caroline said. "To think you sometimes helped him with his work, and he never even thanked you."
"That's why he's suffering the karma of his actions," Jayden added.
"And thanks to the extra evidence our new friend provided," Christian said, glancing at Jayden, "we now have everything we need to counter every lie they might tell."
Deborah nodded, becoming serious as she placed a hand on her belly.
End of Flashback-
"So I don't see why I'm being criticized, because as a grandmother, I'm just looking out for the well-being of my future grandchild," Isabelle added, noticing many were nodding in support of her argument. "The well-being of your grandchild? Can you be more specific?" Christian asked.
"What do you mean?"
"You're openly saying you care more about your son's illegitimate child than your legitimate grandchild."
A profound silence fell over the room.
"What...?" Roger stood up, looking shocked at his wife. "Are you...?"
[Yes, I'm currently three months pregnant. I found out when I went to the doctor on my birthday... but I couldn't tell you because that day you only came to yell at me about your mother's drame, and that day Sophia also told you about her pregnancy, didn't she?] Deborah signed while Caroline verbalized it for everyone to hear. "That's impossible," Isabelle shouted. "You're lying!"
"Excuse me, but why would she lie? It's natural for a married couple to have a child,
isn't it?" Christian stated.
"It's impossible that my son slept with that mute and got her pre-"
"With whom?" the judge interrupted angrily. "Mrs. Isabelle Peterson, I will not tolerate such derogatory terms in my court. One more time, and I will have you jailed.
Isabelle grimaced, wishing the ground would swallow her as everyone frowned at her.
"Pregnant..." Roger was astonished, not thinking that the one time he had slept with her would result in a pregnancy... but that wasn't important. This baby would be his salvation, as his father would have to reinstate him as CEO. "In that case, Deborah, come home so we can raise our child together."
[Liar, you said you'd never have children with someone useless like me. Wouldn't that mean you don't want our child?]
""Come on, that's not-
[You used to wish for my death and always yelled that I ruined your life... so just divorce me already.]
"That... was a joke. I can't believe you took it seriously."
[You think I don't know the real reason behind your sudden love and insistence on holding on to this marriage?]
"What...?" Roger looked scared, staring at her.
"Mrs. Peterson, what are you talking about?" the judge asked.
[Roger's sudden insistence and supposed love are because he's lost everything. It's punishment by my father-in-law who disapproves of his son's behavior. Without me, Roger has no privileges or money."
"Who told you that?" Roger asked furiously, clenching his fists.
"I did," Elliot said, standing up. "I told my sister-in-law so she wouldn't believe your false words of love and repentance."
"You ungrateful, traitorous
Isabelle glared at her younger son.
"Order!" the judge shouted, slamming his gavel forcefully. "That's enough. Officer, take this woman to the holding cell for 24 hours."
374
"What?!" Isabelle was scared as she was handcuffed and led out of the courtroom.
"Mom..."
"And Mr. Peterson, it's over. I will now put an end to this circus. I approve the divorce," the judge declared.
D