Chapter 11
I slowly crouched down and picked up the investigation report.
Andy's handwriting was bold and powerful, just like back then.
Andy, you really haven't changed one bit.
Still so full of yourself, always pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Do you really think this is enough to beat me?
I looked at the report in my hand and couldn't help but laugh.
You've found out everything I've been up to these past five years.
But you must have also discovered that I'm no longer the obedient girl who always followed your orders.
You think you can use my son as leverage against me.
Did it ever occur to you that my son is also my greatest weapon?
I didn't sleep that night.
I made Mallory's favorite chestnut cake.
Then, I told him everything, honestly and plainly, in a way he could understand.
I told him about the fake wedding.
I told him about the farewell letter.
I even confessed to him that the "husband" was just a lie I made up.
Mallory listened quietly, not interrupting once.
His expression was much calmer than I had expected.
After I finished, I looked into his eyes and asked him seriously, "Mallory, Mr. King's Tutor, who's actually your real dad, wants to be your teacher.
"Mom wants to know how you feel about it.
"It's totally up to you; you can say yes or no.
"Whatever you decide, Mom will always have your back."
Mallory stayed quiet for a long time.
He furrowed his tiny brows, looking for all the world like a little adult lost in thought.
Finally, he looked up at me.
"Mom, will you be upset if I go learn from him?" Mallory asked.
My heart clenched suddenly.
I reached out and touched his face.
"It doesn't matter if Mom's happy or not," I said softly. "What matters is what you want."
Mallory lowered his head again, fiddling with his fingers.
"The book says fathers and sons are naturally connected," he said softly.
"Even though he made mistakes and hurt you, he's still my dad.
"And besides, he's the most knowledgeable person in the whole world.
"I want to go," Mallory said, his voice steady and clear.
He looked up at me, his gaze steady and bright.
"I want to see for myself what kind of man could make you feel both love and hate.
"And I want to ask him face to face if he ever regrets what he did," Mallory added.
I pulled Mallory into my arms, and at last, the tears I'd been holding back spilled over.
My son—he was so much more perceptive and courageous than I ever imagined.
"Alright," he said. "Whatever you say, Boss Lady."
"Mom supports you, always.
"But promise me one thing," I said, my voice still trembling.
"What is it?" Mallory asked, looking up at me.
"When you go to the King's Tutor's house, don't call him 'Dad' yet.
"Just call him 'Mr. Saunders' for now."
"Only when he's truly made it up to me, then you can call him 'Dad.'
"Okay?" I asked.
Mallory nodded firmly.
"I'll do what you say, Mom," he replied. "Let's punish him together."
*****
The next day, the King's decree came as expected.
The attendant recited the lavish praises in his sharp, high-pitched voice.
I bowed calmly beside Mallory to accept the decree.
"I, along with my son Mallory Chasey, thank His Majesty for his great kindness," I said.
There was no struggle, no bitterness.
My calm attitude clearly surprised some people.
I could sense the shock in the eyes of the neighbors gathered to watch, and the spies sent by all those families.
Maybe, in their eyes, a female merchant from Southbank should either be trembling with gratitude or recklessly defying authority, not knowing her place.
But I didn't.
I took it all in stride, showing no sign of nerves.
Like it was just another minor thing, barely worth mentioning.
The more I kept my cool, the harder it was for anyone to figure me out.
And the less they dared to cross me.
After seeing off the attendant, I turned to the butler and instructed, "Get a proper gift ready. Tomorrow morning, I'll personally take Mallory to the King's Tutor's place for his official student ceremony."
"Yes, ma'am," the butler replied.