Chapter 131
As soon as Emily Johnson stepped into the yard, the children immediately greeted her in cheerful voices, "Hello, Aunt Emily!"
Even the usually mischievous Richard and George Jr. called out politely, their eyes darting toward Michael Stone—their uncle was watching them closely.
"Mommy!" Tommy was the first to throw himself into Emily's arms.
The Stone household was livelier than usual today. At a glance, Emily spotted the relatives of Elizabeth and Patricia gathered in small groups, chatting in the yard.
"Who is that young lady? She's so lovely—perfect for my nephew," remarked Patricia's sister-in-law, her eyes lighting up as she pointed at Emily.
Having missed George Jr.'s full-month celebration, she had never met Emily before.
"That's your sister-in-law. She's already married with children."
"What? That troublemaker's wife?" The sister-in-law's eyes widened. "She looks like she's never had kids—prettier than any city girl."
"She was an educated youth."
Finally understanding, the sister-in-law nodded. No wonder she carried herself so elegantly.
Unaware of the whispers, Emily found a quiet corner to sit. If not for the housewarming celebration for Robert and William, she wouldn't have come at all. The subtle, scrutinizing gazes made her uncomfortable.
"How does Emily keep getting more beautiful?"
"No wonder Michael is so smitten—he won’t even let her work in the fields."
"Shh! Keep your voice down unless you want trouble from Michael!"
The murmurs abruptly stopped. Everyone knew Michael's temper. They were here for the feast, not to provoke him.
"Sweetheart, come sit here." Michael strode over and pulled Emily to a different seat without hesitation. Seeing her sitting alone made his chest tighten.
"Don’t you need to entertain the guests?"
Michael glanced around the yard. "Today’s about Robert and William—they can handle it."
He had already decided to take Emily home after the meal. Since it wasn’t their housewarming, there was no need to linger.
"Michael, I heard you’ve been making good money outside. How about bringing your cousin along?" A man in his thirties approached—Michael’s second cousin from his maternal uncle’s side.
"Who’s been spreading nonsense?" Michael scoffed. "If I had money, I’d have moved Emily to town long ago. Why would I let her suffer in the village?"
The cousin stole a glance at Emily. His little cousin’s wife was indeed stunning, her fair skin glowing—clearly untouched by farm work.
"Anything else?" Michael’s gaze turned sharp.
The cousin’s back chilled. "N-no, nothing!" He quickly retreated. For someone who looked refined, Michael’s stare was downright intimidating.
"Auntie, your youngest daughter-in-law has no manners. She doesn’t even greet people," Mary’s sister-in-law remarked snidely, her eyes cutting toward Emily.