Chapter 13: To Be Exact, It Is A Notification Editor: Henyee Translations

"She’s my aunt. Anyone who dares write a single word of nonsense about this can get ready to disappear from Glenwater!"

His tone was cold and severe. It allowed no room for doubt.

The reporters knew exactly what Tristan Lawson meant when he said something like that. His powerful presence immediately made the reporters part, clearing a path for him.

Noelle Sutton stared at the large screen, at the image of her husband shielding Sophie Hughes.

Aunt... What a convenient excuse.

The media’s photographers were skilled, too. They had framed her husband, her son, and another woman so perfectly together.

Like a real family of three.

Seeing Noelle’s gaze fixed on the big screen, Wyatt Yates called out, "Little Mute?"

Noelle turned her head. Her eyes were rimmed with a faint pink.

Wyatt glanced at the big screen again. "You know Tristan Lawson?"

Tristan Lawson was truly a renowned figure. Even Wyatt Yates, who had spent years in Aridia, knew of him. With a bitter smile, Noelle signed to Wyatt. "If I told you he was my husband, would you believe me?"

Wyatt’s pupils contracted in shock. Although Noelle had posed it as a question, Wyatt was almost certain it was true. She had a cool and quiet disposition. She wasn’t one to lie, nor would she make such a joke.

And she certainly wouldn’t make such a bold claim.

It had long been rumored that Tristan Lawson was married and had a son. But his wife was a complete mystery. She had never shown her face, and no one had ever managed to photograph her.

The rumor was that Tristan Lawson protected his wife very well.

No wonder. Before he came back, he had his men look into what Noelle had been up to. The last seven years were a complete blank.

That’s why he came back to their hometown to try his luck, because there was no news of her.

He never expected to run into her like this.

And she’s married.

To Tristan Lawson, of all people.

Wyatt’s fingers, tucked into the pockets of his suit trousers, clenched into a fist.

Noelle gave an awkward smile and continued signing, "I’m just kidding. How could a man like him ever marry someone like me?"

Even if he did, it would have to be kept in the shadows.

No one knew she was Tristan Lawson’s wife. Even if she told someone, they probably wouldn’t believe her.

After they registered their marriage, Tristan Lawson had discussed keeping it a secret with her. Or more accurately, he had informed her. He forbade her from publicly revealing her identity as Mrs. Lawson.

Noelle looked as if her marriage was in trouble.

Wyatt didn’t want to bring up the painful subject.

"Let’s go. Didn’t you say you were treating me to a meal? I’m hungry. I don’t want to hear you talk about these silly jokes."

Just now at Noelle’s house, Noelle, as the host, had politely asked him if he’d eaten. He said he hadn’t, so Noelle offered to take him out for a meal.

Noelle pushed her thoughts aside, and the two of them walked toward the restaurant. They had just picked up their spoon when Noelle’s phone rang.

It was Tristan Lawson.

Noelle stared at the phone screen for a long moment.

Wyatt, sitting across from her, could vaguely see Tristan Lawson’s name flashing on her screen. A lump formed in his throat, but he pretended to be unfazed.

"Little Mute, can’t you focus on your meal?"

Noelle put her phone away. Just as she picked up her spoon, it rang again.

It was Tristan again.

Noelle declined the call and turned off her phone.

Tristan Lawson heard the BEEP-BEEP-BEEP of the disconnected call. When he dialed again, a robotic female voice came through the receiver: "Sorry, the number you have dialed is not available at the moment."

Tristan’s face darkened. He grabbed his coat, ready to leave. Behind him, he heard Joshua Lawson crying.

"Sophie, Joshua doesn’t want you to go."

Tristan turned around.

Sophie Hughes emerged from the bedroom with a suitcase, Joshua clinging tightly to her hand.

Tristan walked over.

"What’s wrong?"

"Tristan, please talk to Joshua. I really have to go back."

Sophie Hughes looked troubled.

Tristan’s tone was filled with concern. "Is it because of the trending topic today?"

"Tristan, we..." Sophie turned her head away and said with difficulty, "I don’t want to be any more of a burden to you. My father just called. He said he’s arranged a marriage for me and wants me to go back and meet the person."

"Sophie, please don’t go, okay? My teacher recommended me for a children’s paper-cutting competition, and I want you to go with me..."

Joshua pleaded, shaking Sophie’s hand with tears in his eyes. A pained expression crossed Sophie’s face. She knelt down and gently wiped away Joshua’s tears.

"Joshua, it’s not that I don’t want to stay with you, but my trip has already been delayed for several days. Your great-grandfather is urging me to come back. When I have the chance, I’ll come see you again, okay?"

Joshua turned his head and looked at Tristan Lawson with hopeful eyes. "Dad, last time you took Sophie to the parent-child event at school, all my classmates and teachers thought she was my mom. If I go to the competition and my mom is different, they’ll definitely ask a ton of questions. I don’t want people to know my mom can’t talk..."

"Joshua, how can you look down on your mother? It’s not like she chose to be unable to speak. If your mother found out, she would be so hurt. If it’s really a problem, have your dad or your aunt take you to the competition. From now on, you are not to speak about your mother like that again, understand?"

Tristan thought for a moment, then said, "Sophie, since Joshua needs you, you should stay for now. Noelle is a mute. The boy is getting older and cares about his image. It’s understandable."

"But..." Sophie stood up, bit her lip, and said, "It will cause trouble for you."

But Tristan took hold of Sophie’s suitcase and pulled it back toward the bedroom.

Sophie and Joshua followed him.

"Tristan, don’t fight with your family because of me. You know I’ll feel guilty."

Tristan put the suitcase down, his deep gaze falling on Sophie. "Trust me. This isn’t seven years ago."

Sophie’s heart fluttered. Does he mean...?

"Sophie, Dad wants you to stay! Please, don’t be in such a hurry to leave, okay?"

Sophie said with a troubled expression, "Alright, I won’t leave for now."

"I’m going out."

Tristan walked out of the villa, then turned back, went into the master bedroom, and took out a velvet box containing a voice-producing diamond ring from his suitcase.

Sophie stood on the second-floor balcony.

Tristan’s Bentley Mulsanne slowly drove away, its bright headlights gradually disappearing from her sight.

Three hours later, Tristan’s car pulled up in front of Noelle’s house.

Noelle was signing to Wyatt Yates, "I’m home now. Thank you for bringing me back. You should go home and get some rest."

Noelle turned to go inside.

"Wait, I brought a gift for you." Wyatt took a long velvet box from the car’s storage compartment.

Wyatt opened the lid. A massive diamond pendant glittered brilliantly under the light. Noelle quickly waved her hands, refusing. A diamond that big must be incredibly expensive.

"Little Mute, don’t be so quick to refuse. Give me your phone."

Noelle took out her phone and turned it on.

Tristan saw the light from the phone illuminate Noelle’s serene face.

Wyatt held out his hand to Noelle.