Chapter 632

Mabel saw Russell rushing upstairs, only to come back down with an envelope, heading out the door in a hurry. She quickly approached

him. “Dad, it’s already dark outside. Where are you going?”

Russell certainly wouldn’t tell Mabel that he was going to see Yolanda to transfer her shares to Melody. Clutching the envelope under his arm, he said, “We’re about to finalize our collaboration with the Swanson Group. I need to meet with some of our designers to confirm the samples for the new clothing line.”

Mabel didn’t suspect anything, nodding in agreement. “Okay, just don’t overwork yourself. Make sure to come back and get some rest.”

“I will.” Russell walked a few steps, but feeling a pang of guilt, he turned back and handed Mabel a card. “Your birthday’s coming up, and I honestly don’t know what you girls like these days. Take this card and buy whatever you want. Don’t worry about the money. Our family’s about to see its glory days again.”

Mabel looked at the supplementary card from Russell, feeling a surge of joy. “Thanks, Dad!”

“Good girl.” Russell, acting like a loving father, ruffled Mabel’s hair before striding out the door.

Just as Russell left, the obedient smile faded from Mabel’s face. ‘What did he mean by not knowing what girls like? Clearly, he just doesn’t want to spend the time and effort to pick out a gift for me. But the card would certainly help me out of a tight spot,’ she thought.

Without Yolanda, Mabel had been financially strained lately. Just yesterday, she overheard some socialite gossiping about her still wearing last year’s design. Tomorrow, she would make sure to drag that socialite along and buy the latest designer bags and outfits right in front of her.

However, Mabel wasn’t entirely naive. She summoned a maid Yolanda had previously bribed and said, “Secretly follow my dad and find out where he’s going.” She didn’t guess that Russell was going to see Yolanda; she just assumed he might be off to get another loan and wanted to know the real situation. The maid, being one of Yolanda’s “old subordinates,” didn’t question Mabel and discreetly followed Russell.

It was past visiting hours, but money could do its magic and Russell managed to arrange a meeting with Yolanda. Yolanda was no longer the elegant socialite she once was. Covered in prison garb, she looked gaunt and aged in a few months, a stark contrast to Russell’s well-groomed appearance.

When Yolanda first heard Russell wanted to see her, she hesitated, fearing he would be disgusted by her appearance. But her longing for him was too strong, and she couldn’t resist. She tidied her hair and came out, but upon seeing him, she felt a surge of shame and lowered her head.

Russell, seeing Yolanda’s current state, couldn’t hide a flash of disdain in his eyes. But remembering his goal, he quickly suppressed it, feigning a look of compassion and affection. He opened his arms and forced himself to hug her. “Yolanda, you’ve lost weight!”

Russell’s attitude eased Yolanda’s anxious heart a bit. They had been married for years; she knew Russell wouldn’t despise her. With teary eyes, Yolanda hugged Russell back. “I’ve missed you so much, Russell…”

“I’ve missed you too.” Russell released her, guiding her to sit down, and patiently inquired about her situation, “Are you not eating well? How did you lose so much weight?”

Yolanda shook her head. “I eat three meals a day, but I miss you all so much that I don’t have much of an appetite.” She then changed the subject. “Russell, I’ve been sentenced to seventeen years. Have you found a way to reduce my sentence?”

‘Seventeen years! Who knows what tricks that bitch Melody used to get me such a long sentence!’ Yolanda bellowed inwardly, ‘Russell may not despise me now, but what about seventeen years from now? By then, I’ll be old and worn out. He definitely won’t welcome me back with the same warmth he does now. I can’t wait that long!’

Russell, who had done nothing outside other than hiding his wife’s imprisonment, reassured her, “Don’t worry, I won’t let them keep you for seventeen years. I’m here to share some good news.”

“What good news? Have they agreed to reduce my sentence?”

“No.” Russell shook his head and said, “But Ulric has agreed to help me, and the Swanson Group will be partnering with the Justalion Group.”

Yolanda’s eyes dimmed. “How is that good news…” She complained inwardly, ‘You’re the only one getting the benefits.’

“You’re missing the point. I couldn’t help reduce your sentence before because I didn’t have the means. Once the Justalion Group rises again, I’ll get you out without needing anyone’s help!”

Yolanda’s eyes began to sparkle again.

“Besides, even if I can’t do it, Ulric can. His agreement to help shows he really cares about Mabel. I can’t prepare a bigger engagement gift for her yet, which is why I’m here to see you.”

Yolanda weakly responded, “I don’t have much money, you know that. If I had, I would’ve given it already.”

“You may not have money, but you still have the 15% shares I gave you when we got married.” Russell produced a contract with the provider’s name left blank. “This is the transfer agreement for those shares. Sign it, and I’ll give it to Mabel as a birthday gift. Once the Swanson Group collaborates with us, the Justalion Group’s value will soar. Isn’t that a generous enough engagement gift?”

Under Russell’s persuasion, Yolanda didn’t think twice and signed her name. Knowing Russell, even though he didn’t despise her now, it was highly likely that it wouldn’t be long before the selfish and self-centered Russell would divorce her. Her safest bet was her precious daughter. Thinking of Mabel, Yolanda’s expression softened. “Make sure Mabel comes to see me often.”

“That’s not a good idea.” Russell shook his head to avoid exposure. “Ulric is very unhappy with you. If he finds out Mabel visits you frequently, he might get upset. Wait until Mabel marries him; then you can see her as much as you want.”

Yolanda, always thinking of Mabel’s best interests, nodded. “I understand. I won’t interfere.”

“Good, then I’ll be going. Take care of yourself. We’ll get you out soon.”

With hope rekindled in her eyes, Yolanda nodded vigorously. “Okay!”

Russell didn’t linger, leaving after a few brief instructions. As soon as he stepped out, Mabel appeared in the waiting room, having received word of her father’s visit.