Jessica signed, her hands moving in graceful arcs. "I don''t quite understand- what do you mean?"


    "She means the idea of you making some extra money with your paper cuttings," Herbert exined. "She doesn''t know you''re married to Timothy. She probably thinks, since you can''t speak, life must be hard for you and wants to help by introducing some business your way."


    A gentle smile touched Jessica''s lips as her slender fingers danced. "Mrs. Reynolds is just looking out for me. I don''t mind at all."


    Herbert nced over at The Gilded Whisper Estates-an enormous mansion, easily several times the size of his family home. There was absolutely no need for Jessica to work for extra cash.


    Yet Jessica showed no trace of arrogance or vanity from marrying into wealth. She still cut paper decorations for his mother and never made her status public. She remained as gentle and kind as ever, humble without being self-effacing.


    Even though she couldn''t speak, she was someone truly worthy of care and affection.


    "Little Mute, is he good to you?" Herbert asked suddenly.


    Jessica hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. But soon, she smiled and signed, "He''s very good."


    "By the way, that ne I gave youst time-why haven''t you been wearing it?"


    Jessica felt a pang of guilt at the mention of the ne.


    Luckily, only the voice recorder inside had broken. Timothy had thrown it to the floor that day before dragging her out to the car. She hadn''t had a chance to go back and pick it up.


    "I left it at my old ce-forgot to bring it with me," she signed, fibbing just a little. She nned to find some time to return and see if she could get it fixed before giving it back to Herbert. It was real diamond, far too expensive for her to keep.


    "I see," Herbert said, satisfied. "Once you get it back, use it often-it''ll get easier the more you practice."


    Jessica nodded.


    Herbert got into his car, rolled the window down halfway, and waved. "Bye, Little Mute."


    Jessica watched him drive away. In truth, Herbert had changed a lot gone from a streetwise punk to the heir of a wealthy family.


    As Jessica turned away, a shy red Maserati pulled up with a roar and stopped right beside her.


    Sallie emerged, tall and striking in her fashionable outfit. Her chestnut curls tumbled over her shoulders, lips painted a bold red, oversized sunsses perched on her nose. She shoved the car door open, swinging her sunsses up onto her head, and red at Jessica with open disdain.


    "With Timothy out of the house, you sure have some nerve-bringing strange men right to the front door!"


    Sallie had seen clearly-it was the same man from the fabric market with Jessica that day.


    Not understanding signnguage, Sallie always found it hard to talk with Jessica; but Jessica saw no need to exin herself. She simply turned and walked toward the mansion.


    "Hey-wait up!" Sallie hurried after her, stepping in front to block her path. "Don''t get too full of yourself."


    She hadn''te here today to bicker, but Jessica''s attitude was infuriating.


    Jessica looked at her coolly, saying nothing.


    Sallie huffed, arms crossed. "I was at the hospital yesterday, and your precious son-his head was full of She. I even tried to talk some sense into him for you! That She is here to break up your family, and your little brat-he''s a real ingrate, wouldn''t listen to a word I said. Jessica, you''d better keep an eye on your son and your husband."


    Jessica couldn''t help but wonder if she ought to feel grateful. After all, it was rare for her formidable sister-inw to take her side, even if only a little.