Her Silent Revenge novel Chapter 2

People had all sorts of harsh opinions about me.

Some said I was out of my mind.

Others speculated I was mentally ill.

And a few thought I was just trying to gain online fame.

To all that, I didn't care.

Philip was very involved in naming the child.

He handed over the company responsibilities to an assistant and spent three days researching names.

The baby was named Ryan, and the full name was Ryan Hanson.

Every day when Philip got home, he would hold the baby, cooing "Ryan" softly.

Sometimes, while saying his name, he'd gaze out the window, seeming almost lost.

I noticed everything.

I pretended to be oblivious, letting my carefully crafted plan mature further.

Under my careful watch, Ryan grew day by day.

When it was time for him to start school, I was always there to drop him off and pick him up, rain or shine.

I had the highest attendance rate of all parents.

Naturally, many other parents got to know me.

When they found out Ryan was adopted, they were all surprised and puzzled, especially when Ryan started excelling in academics, consistently ranking at the top of his class.

Many parents began voicing their concerns.

"It's fine for him not to succeed, but with grades like that, his birth parents will eventually come back to claim him. Then what will you have left?"

In these situations, I'd simply smile and let it go.

I became more and more attentive to Ryan, taking better care of him.

One day, Philip, who never gave me gifts, surprised me with an expensive silk scarf.

He said it was a reward for how well I treated Ryan.

I responded, "He's our child. You don't have to do that."

He paused, then quickly nodded. "You're right, but you still deserve the gift."

After saying that, I caught a glimpse of a satisfied, secretive smile on his face.

I smiled back, secretly amused.

I silently chuckled to myself.

What was hidden could not stay concealed forever, and the truth would come to light one day.

"You think you're so clever, but your own cleverness may lead to your downfall," I murmured.

After Ryan graduated from college, he pursued a doctorate.

To celebrate his achievement, Philip hosted a grand banquet at the city's finest restaurant, inviting everyone he could gather.

Some guests commented on how lucky he was.

"Isn't it unbelievable he found such a smart child on the street? Now he's a doctoral student. What a proud moment!"

People called it a gift from the heavens to Mr. Hanson.

Everyone raised their glasses in cheers.

Philip couldn't handle his liquor and got drunk.

When we got home that night, the alcohol must've sparked something because, out of nowhere, he began humming a little tune in front of me—a rare sight since he never sang.

It felt like a victory anthem.

I woke up in the middle of the night and noticed he was still awake, snuggled under the blankets, whispering to his phone, "Honey, you're amazing. No one else could've given me such an incredible son."