The Day They Stole My Voice, I Started My Rise Chapter 10

The Day They Stole My Voice, I Started My Rise Chapter 10

The university auditorium was packed to capacity. 

Even the hallways were crowded with students and scholars 

who had come just to see me. 

The same vice president who had once forced me to admit 

my “mistake” was now standing at the entrance with a 

flattering smile, waiting to welcome me personally. 

“Bree, welcome home!” 

“The university has always been proud of you.” 

looked at his overly eager face. 

A cold, mocking smile appeared on my lips. 

I ignored his outstretched hand. 

Then I walked straight onto the stage. 

The academic exchange was a complete success. 

Every point I made sparked enthusiastic discussions among the audience. 

My hoarse yet clear voice controlled the rhythm of the entire event. 

When the presentation ended, the applause continued for a long time. 

I stepped down from the stage. 

My security detail escorted me toward the exit. 

The moment I reached the stairs outside the auditorium, 

the sky suddenly opened up. 

Heavy rain poured down. 

Two drenched figures suddenly pushed through the crowd 

and rushed toward me. 

“Bree!” 

“My wife!” 

It was Evelyn and Theodore. 

They looked even worse than when I had seen them in Boston. 

Evelyn’s clothes carried a sour, unpleasant smell. 

Theodore’s eyes were dull and lifeless. 

They blocked my path. 

The students and reporters around us immediately gathered. 

Camera flashes went off nonstop. 

Bree…” 

“Mom can’t do this anymore!” 

“Please… help me!” 

“Just one word from you, and they’ll stop coming after me!” 

*Please forgive me!” 

“Just this once!” 

“I’m begging you, Bree!” 

Theodore crawled toward me. 

He reached out, trying to grab my legs. 

My security detail immediately stepped between us and 

pushed him away. 

He rolled across the muddy ground. 

But he quickly got back up. 

Bree!” 

Come home with me!” 

stood on the steps. 

Looking down at the two people struggling in the mud. 

Just like three years ago. 

Back in the Emergency Department. 

They had looked down at me the same way 

Watching me helplessly fight for my life. 

The reporters around us were waiting. 

Waiting for me to put on the “forgiving saint” act they expected. 

I took one step forward. 

I stopped at the edge of the stairs. 

Then I slowly spoke. 

Three years ago, my throat suffered severe chemical burns.” 

I was struggling to breathe.” 

Mrs. Baldwin refused to activate Emergency Priority Protocol for me.” 

Mr. Kent, to protect the person who caused this incident, you 

forced me, a woman who couldn’t even speak, to sign a statement taking full responsibility.” 

The entire crowd erupted. 

Everyone looked at the two people on the ground with shock and disbelief. 

Evelyn’s face instantly turned pale. 

Please…” 

Stop…” 

Don’t say that…” 

didn’t stop. 

“I survived.” 

“I made it here.” 

“Because I fought for myself.” 

“Because I endured countless days and nights of pain and tears.” 

“You had nothing to do with it.” 

‘Not even a little.” 

I turned to my security detail. 

“Clear the way.” 

“Keep them away from me.” 

I don’t want them touching my shoes.” 

My security detail immediately stepped forward. 

They dragged the two of them to the side. 

I walked toward the black sedan waiting by the roadside. 

The moment the car door closed, 

I looked through the window at the two people sitting 

helplessly in the muddy rain. 

The rain poured harder and harder. 

Washing away the last bit of dignity they had left. 

I withdrew my gaze. 

Then I spoke calmly to the driver. 

“Go.”