Chapter 240

"Your uncle has arranged a marriage for you," Emily Johnson whispered, her eyes darting around cautiously. "They're afraid you'll refuse, so they plan to force the issue."

Amy Bright's sewing needle clattered to the ground.

"Last night, the village head and I kept watch outside your house until midnight," Emily said, gripping Amy's icy hands. "The man admitted your uncle sent him. Once the scandal breaks, even if your brother returns, it'll be too late."

Amy's face turned ashen, her lips trembling wordlessly.

"Sister-in-law..." she finally managed, "how did you find out?"

"I've suspected your uncle for a while," Emily said coldly. "When he brought those pancakes last night, I knew something was wrong."

Amy clenched her clothes tightly. She'd believed her uncle had truly changed...

"Lock your door tonight," Emily pressed a wad of cash into her hand. "Don't eat anything they give you. Stay alert until your brother comes home."

"I can't take this money—"

"Take it!" Emily insisted firmly. "I'm afraid they might resort to desperate measures, even..."

Amy's head snapped up, her pupils contracting in horror.

"Trafficking?" Her voice shook.

Emily nodded gravely. "Better safe than sorry."

But why are you being so kind to me... Amy's eyes burned with unshed tears.

"Isn't the village slaughtering a pig today?" she changed the subject. "Are you going to collect meat?"

"You go ahead," Emily calculated. "I'll come later for some trotters and bones."

The threshing ground of River Village buzzed with excitement. The butcher's blade flashed, and the fat pig gave one final squeal.

"Where's Emily? Isn't she coming?" a woman asked Mary Stone.

Mary glanced around. "Probably tending to the children."

Nearby, David and Tommy Stone raced home.

"Mom!" Tommy shouted. "If we don't hurry, there'll be no meat left!"

Emily adjusted her scarf leisurely. "No need to rush. The meat won't walk away."

"But the fatty cuts will be gone!" David stomped impatiently.

Emily smiled faintly. She'd be glad if everyone fought over the fatty portions.