Chapter 239

"He owes me twenty dollars," the man shouted, his neck stiff with defiance.

Twenty dollars?

Uncle Thomas Bright immediately jumped to his feet. "That's a lie! It was only ten!"

A ten-dollar deal?

"Pay up," the man demanded, already plotting to drag Thomas into trouble once he got the money.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Thomas had no choice but to go inside and fetch the cash. His wife Nancy stomped her feet in frustration—that was money she'd saved for their son's future wedding!

The moment the money changed hands, the man turned on them. "Thomas put me up to this! He even gave me the address!"

His reasoning was simple: since Thomas was Amy Bright's uncle, he'd get off easy if things went south.

"Bullshit! My husband would never do such a thing!" Nancy shrieked. With the village chief present, she'd rather die than admit anything.

The chief frowned. "Either pay for the stolen goods, or I'll hand you over to the authorities. Your choice."

Was there even a choice?

"How much?"

"Ten dollars each."

Nancy nearly ground her teeth to dust.

Emily Johnson's voice was icy. "Send them to the police—"

Nancy instantly deflated.

After collecting the twenty dollars and watching the man slink away, everyone dispersed.

"Nancy, remind Amy Bright tomorrow to stay alert."

"Got it."

The children were nodding off but perked up when the adults returned.

"Ethan, let me walk you home."

The night was pitch black, without even a streetlamp in sight.

"I know the way, Mrs. Johnson!" Ethan dashed off before she could insist.

"Mommy... sleep..."

Too tired to even wash up, Emily hurried the kids to bed.

This wasn't over.

Thomas and Nancy wouldn't let this slide.

"David, go get Amy. Be careful."

"On it!"

David pocketed some snacks and took Tommy with him.

"David, did they slaughter a pig today?"

"Yeah!"

"Your family eats meat every day, right?"

"My grandma brought these milk candies last time—they're so good!" David shared hawthorn rolls with his friends. "Here, try these!"

The children burst into laughter.

Amy walked toward Emily's house, puzzled. Why was she being summoned so early? Maybe it was about New Year preparations?

"Mrs. Johnson..."

Emily closed her book, her expression grave. "I didn't want to tell you, but I'm worried for your safety."

"What's wrong?"

Two crisp ten-dollar bills landed on the table.

"Mrs. Johnson, what is this?" Amy panicked. She'd only helped out—this was too much money.