Chapter 15

"Grandpa, Richard hit me!" Tommy's tearful voice made John Stone Sr. spin around.

Only then did he notice the thick bandage wrapped around David's forehead, with small spots of blood seeping through the white gauze.

"And they stole my brother's new clothes!" Tommy tugged at his dirty shirt, adding indignantly.

John's face darkened as he took in the sight of his grandsons' once-new outfits now covered in mud.

"Dad, it was Emily who hit Richard first!" Patricia shrieked, her voice shrill enough to grate on the ears.

Emily released her grip on Patricia and calmly straightened her collar.

"Dad..." Her voice was steady, yet carried undeniable authority.

John's stomach twisted. Before Michael left, he had repeatedly asked him to look after his wife and children. But now, this mess...

"Dad, perhaps we should hear what the children have to say." Emily pulled forward a young boy who had been watching the commotion and crouched down to his level. "Sweetheart, can you tell us what happened?"

Just then, Mary Stone rushed over. Spotting Emily standing unharmed in the distance, she finally let out a small sigh of relief.

"Oh my! What happened to David's head?" Mary's heart ached at the sight of the bandage, and she stomped her foot in distress.

The little boy, now put on the spot, nervously recounted the events. The gathered crowd immediately erupted in murmurs of disapproval.

"Dad, Richard is only ten and already stealing. What will he do when he grows up?" Emily remarked pointedly. "If he isn't disciplined now, who knows what he'll turn into?"

John's face flushed red, then paled.

"Richard, apologize!" he barked.

Richard muttered a reluctant "sorry" before turning and bolting.

"You always favor them!" Patricia spat before chasing after her son.

Emily smirked. Favoritism? David was bleeding, and all they got was a half-hearted apology?

"Everyone, go home!" John waved his hand, and the crowd quickly dispersed.

Only the elderly couple and Emily's family remained in the yard.

"Grandma, it hurts..." David's lips trembled, tears welling in his eyes.

Mary's heart clenched. "Sweetheart, Grandma will make you some eggs to help you feel better."

"Dad, you should have a word with William about this," Emily said calmly. "Cousins should look out for each other, not steal and fight. This behavior can't be ignored."

John coughed awkwardly, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.