Chapter 41

"Isn't that Sophia Green?" someone on the oxcart spotted the familiar figure.

"Sis, Peter Wilson insists it was Sophia who sent him to your house," a young villager whispered.

Sophia instigated Peter to break into her home?

Emily Johnson's heart sank. This wasn't just about theft—it was a targeted attack.

An attempt to ruin her reputation?

Hah. Sophia was the epitome of fake sisterhood—all smiles and pretense of friendship while scheming behind her back.

"Mommy, I've never been to town before," little Tommy said, looking up with wide eyes. Michael Stone rarely took his younger son out.

David, however, had accompanied his father to town a few times.

"Here, have some candy." Emily pulled out a few White Rabbit candies from her cloth bag, handing one to each person on the cart.

"Thanks, sis!"

These candies were impossible to find at the local Supply & Market—even in the county, they required ration coupons.

"Mommy, why aren't you eating?"

"I will."

Emily unwrapped the candy and popped it into her mouth. It had been years since she'd tasted this childhood treat. In her modern life, her mother had always bought imported chocolates for holidays, rarely milk candies.

After finishing the candy, she pulled out two breadsticks from her bag.

The cart driver and the young villager exchanged glances, finally understanding why Peter had targeted Emily's home.

The care packages from Emily's parents were clearly filled with luxuries!

"Here's your milk—drink slowly." Emily unscrewed the thermos lid.

Milk powder?!

Even in the county, this was a rare commodity, let alone in their small town.

"Careful, it's hot..."

The oxcart finally rumbled to a stop outside the town police station.

"Emily Johnson..."

An officer approached as soon as they stepped down.

"We've asked you here today to clarify last night's incident."

John Stone Sr. was already inside and took his grandsons away.

"Just recount what happened truthfully."

They were taking her statement.

The officers couldn't fathom how a woman had managed to beat Peter so badly.

"My husband's away, so I keep a stick by my bed for safety. Yesterday, I picked up a care package from my parents—some food and ration coupons—and bought meat while in town. We had stew for dinner, so it was late when we finished."

"I read for a while before bed and only fell asleep around midnight. Just as I was drifting off, I heard noises in the yard. A woman alone with two kids—of course I panicked."

"......"

Emily calmly explained how she'd beaten Peter into submission with nothing but a stick.

As she finished her statement, she ran into Sophia, who'd just been questioned.

"Sophia, here to process your return application?" Emily asked pointedly.

Sophia wasn't free to leave yet, but Emily and the children were cleared to go.

"Dad, come over for lunch with Mom later. I'll take the kids home first."

John Stone Sr. decided to accompany them. Peter's family wouldn't let this go—they might cause trouble at Emily's place.

"Let's go home."

At the drop-off point, the young villager helped carry the children down.

"Thank you. Once Michael's back, we'll have you over for dinner," Emily said sincerely.