Chapter 257

"Aren't you going to work this afternoon?"

Emily raised an eyebrow, her gaze leaving no room for argument.

Michael faltered under her stare and quickly corrected himself, "Of course I am. I'll make lunch first."

Nothing unnerved him more than his wife watching him study with that look.

As he retreated, Emily turned her attention to the package on the table.

Just how much dowry had been sent? Enough to buy a job?

These days, securing employment cost at least four hundred dollars—office jobs were even pricier.

If they cared so much about their daughter, why hadn't they arranged for her return to the city all these years?

Yet if they didn’t care, why send so much money and parcels?

"Mom!"

David and Tommy burst in after school, immediately spotting the new package.

"Uncle sent snacks."

Though the boys never lacked treats, their eyes still lit up with excitement.

"Uncle?"

They'd only met their grandmother—never their uncle.

"Yes, he's a chef. He makes delicious food."

David's eyes sparkled. "Will Uncle like us?"

"Of course."

Emily answered smoothly, though inwardly she preferred keeping her distance from her character's family.

She might have thwarted the sister-in-law's scheme, but a woman who'd maintained such deception for years couldn't be simple.

Better to stay cautious.

Lunch was modest: stir-fried preserved pork with pickled radish, sautéed cabbage, and sweet potato rice.

"Spring's here—any wild greens in the mountains?"

Michael shook his head. "We have vegetables. No need to forage."

"Study first, then go to work."

Emily supervised his revision.

Resigned, Michael picked up his books.

The boys, ever understanding, practiced handwriting and dictionary skills quietly—Emily had already taught them phonics.

"Brother, why so down lately?"

Daniel sidled up to Michael during their afternoon shift.

Had they argued? He hadn’t heard anything.

"Studying."

Daniel blinked.

Studying? For what?

Was his sister-in-law taking college exams? Planning to return to the city?

Had Michael not given her money?

"Sam beat up his cousin."

The incident surprised Daniel.

Sam was easygoing, always smiling—what could have provoked him?

"Oh?"

Michael perked up.

"I asked, but he wouldn’t say."

Sam cherished his grandmother and sister above all.

"Leave it be, then."

Daniel scratched his head. "I’m just curious what that cousin did. Stranger still—his uncle and aunt didn’t even make a scene."

Given that family's temper, they should’ve kicked up a storm.

"And Old Thomas got sentenced to manure duty."

Clearly, much had happened in their absence.