Chapter 80: Think Carefully Before You Speak
Raquel’s expression was solemn as she said, “Mrs. Quixall, I truly didn’t want to believe it myself, but it’s the truth. I witnessed everything with my own eyes.”
Deborah’s fingers trembled as she asked, “When did this happen? How long ago?” She had only just returned, only to be confronted with such a shocking incident. She wondered how many troubling events had occurred during her days spent caring for Jesse.
Raquel fell silent for a moment, then, after a while, she let out a sigh. “It happened just over an hour ago. Right after Mr. Quixall left, I saw Seiren running down the stairs. Her face was streaked with tears, and there were purplish finger marks on her neck. She looked utterly devastated.”
The Quixall family members all resided upstairs. At the time of the incident, George had left for the hospital, and Deborah was at the hospital with Jesse. Raquel had just bid George farewell and hadn’t gone upstairs yet.
By a process of elimination, the only people remaining upstairs were Yelena and Caleb. Nobody else would have dared to commit such an act. However, earlier that morning, Yelena had left Deborah a message, explaining that she had an important matter to discuss with a friend and wouldn’t be available to help care for Jesse at the hospital that afternoon. Her love for her younger brother was indisputable, and unless it was something truly urgent, she wouldn’t have abandoned Jesse to engage in casual conversation with her friend.
How could someone, even amidst their overwhelming responsibilities, misuse their power to bully a lowly maid? If Seiren truly bothered her, she could have simply asked George to dismiss her from the Quixall residence, sparing herself the sight of her. Yet, she didn’t. This could only mean there was no personal grudge against Seiren. Otherwise, Seiren wouldn’t still be in the Quixall residence, let alone have the opportunity to voice her grievances to Deborah.
As the daughter of the Quixall family, Yelena had countless ways to handle matters discreetly. Why would she go out of her way to create unnecessary trouble? The answer was clear—the true culprit was Caleb. He had cruelly tormented a helpless maid, only to feign innocence and retreat to his room for a peaceful night’s sleep. A man should have the courage to take responsibility for his actions. Being the son of the Quixall family or having served five years in prison for Jesse didn’t exempt him from accountability.
Deborah, usually gentle by nature, was overcome with frustration that night. With a pang of sympathy, she gently touched the marks on Seiren’s neck and reassured her, “Don’t worry, I will make sure you get the justice you deserve.”
After finishing her statement, Deborah resolved to confront Caleb. Seiren’s heart raced uncontrollably as she stood up in a panic, “Mrs. Quixall, actually—”
Deborah quickly turned around. “Seiren, what did you say?”
Seiren hesitated, her gaze shifting to Raquel’s stern face. Her thoughts turned to Caleb, who had endured countless grievances since his return. A wave of indecision washed over her. Should she defend him, even if it meant facing unbearable consequences? Her fingernails dug into her palms as her heart pounded so loudly it felt as though it might burst. Each beat grated on her nerves, amplifying her inner turmoil.
“I—” No sooner had she uttered a word than Raquel’s hand found its way to her shoulder. “Seiren, I suggest you think carefully before you speak.” Seiren’s body trembled involuntarily, her lashes dampened by tears that had formed in an instant.
Seeing her prolonged silence, Deborah assumed that she was worried about Caleb retaliating in the future. She quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. No one will dare to harm you.”