Revenge Forged in Prison
Chapter 173: You Remind Me Of Him
But Chelsea’s response was nothing like what Miriam had expected. She had expected Chelsea to remain silent out of fear, or maybe plead for forgiveness, reassuring her that she would never stray again.
Instead, the young girl met her gaze with quiet resolve and said, “If I break my promise… you have my permission to throw me into the sea. Let the sharks take me.”
Even the notoriously cold-hearted Miriam was stunned into silence. Did a five-year-old girl really just say that? Miriam blinked, incredulous.
From everything her investigation had uncovered, Chelsea had lived an ordinary, sheltered life—no danger, no trauma. So how could she speak such cruel, resolute words?
After a moment to steady herself, Miriam said coldly, “Very well. Remember. Those were your words.”
“If I ever find out you’ve betrayed me,” she added, her tone like ice, “I’ll do exactly as you suggested—sever your limbs and feed you to the sharks. Not even a single bone will remain.”
Chelsea’s eyes curved in a sweet smile. “As it should be.”
Then, her voice softened as she asked, “So… Mom, does that mean you’ve forgiven me?”
Miriam’s face remained expressionless. “That depends on how well you behave.”
“Yay! Thanks, Mommy!” Without waiting for permission, Chelsea threw herself into Miriam’s arms, nuzzling her cheek against her chest with childlike affection.
Miriam felt a ticklish sensation as Chelsea nuzzled her, an instinctive urge to push the girl away bubbling up. But just as her hand began to move, something stopped her. Isn’t this how a mother and daughter should be?
As Chelsea remained nestled against her, Miriam couldn’t deny the warmth she felt. Hesitantly, she placed her hand on Chelsea’s back, and when the girl didn’t resist, she pulled her closer, wrapping her arms around her and enveloping her completely.
At that moment, something shifted inside Miriam. No wonder I’ve always wanted a child… This is what it feels like to have a daughter. A warmth that could shatter one’s heart.
Her face softened, an expression of genuine motherly affection filling her features. The walls she had built around herself seemed to melt away as she embraced the girl, feeling an unfamiliar tenderness stir in her chest.
However, what Miriam failed to notice was the subtle change in Chelsea’s gaze, hidden just beyond her line of sight. The smile on the young girl’s face remained, but her eyes had turned cold, sharp, and calculating. A chilling, predatory look that sent an eerie shiver down the spine of anyone who might’ve witnessed it.
The next fifteen years passed without incident. Miriam, ever the soft touch, showered Chelsea with affection, adoring the girl’s obedient and accommodating nature. She gave her the best of everything, as though Chelsea were her true daughter—her own flesh and blood.
Under this devotion, Chelsea flourished. With Miriam’s favor, she quickly rose to a position of great influence within the Yardley family, second only to Miriam herself. Even more significantly, Chelsea was granted the right to change her surname. From “Chelsea Yanner” she became “Chelsea Yardley,” a sign of her growing power and her potential inheritance of Miriam’s vast wealth in the future.
A wistful sigh escaped Chelsea’s lips as she was pulled from her reverie. She muttered softly, her eyes distant, “Caleb… do you know? You remind me so much of him…”
They’re so alike. Quiet, stubborn, unwilling to back down. If only Fabian had been able to control his temper back then… maybe he wouldn’t have ended up dead. But it’s too late now. He’s gone, and he’s never coming back.
She clenched her jaw. There was no turning back, but she could still make things right with Caleb. She hadn’t been able to protect Fabian, but she wouldn’t make the same mistake with Caleb. Not this time. She would ensure his safety, no matter what.
After three long days, Caleb finally stirred from unconsciousness. When his eyes fluttered open, he found Chelsea sitting by his side, watching over him. For a moment, shock flashed in his eyes, but it quickly faded as he regained his composure. Chelsea must’ve saved me again.
The weight of his gratitude pressed on him, and with it, a growing sense of indebtedness. The more he owed her, the more it seemed impossible to ever repay. If this continued, he feared he would never be able to settle his debts.
“You’re awake…” Chelsea said softly, a gentle smile blooming on her face.
Caleb blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the unmistakable tears on her cheeks.