Chapter 191

"Get out of my way!" Stepmother Wang kicked little Daisy aside, glaring at her viciously. "Stupid brat, always in the way!"

Daisy's frail body hit the wall, tears streaming down her face from the pain. Henry quickly shielded his sister, only for Stepmother Wang to grab his ear. "You little runt! How dare you protect her?"

Emily Johnson heard the cries from the courtyard before she even entered. Pushing open the gate, she saw Stepmother Wang raising a broom to strike the children.

"Stop!" Emily shouted sharply.

Stepmother Wang froze, then sneered when she recognized the intruder. "Well, if it isn’t the city-educated youth. What business do you have meddling in my family affairs?"

Emily strode forward and yanked the broom away. "What kind of coward bullies children?"

"I discipline my own kids—none of your concern!" Stepmother Wang planted her hands on her hips, spittle flying. "These little brats deserve a beating!"

Villagers had begun gathering, murmuring among themselves. "She beats those kids every day, and their father does nothing..."

Emily scoffed. "Discipline? More like you’re trying to kill them!" She pointed at Stepmother Wang’s pinched face. "With a face like yours, no wonder you take your ugliness out on helpless children!"

"You—!" Stepmother Wang turned livid, raising her hand to strike.

Emily caught her wrist effortlessly. "Oh? You want to hit me too?" With a firm shove, Stepmother Wang stumbled back.

"Henry’s father is back!" someone called.

Mr. Wood entered the courtyard carrying water buckets, freezing at the scene.

"Darling!" Stepmother Wang instantly switched to a pitiful wail, rushing to him. "This educated youth is bullying me!"

Emily laughed coldly. "Wow, your acting skills are impressive. But—" She eyed Mr. Wood up and down. "You two are a perfect match. One’s ugly, the other’s blind."

The crowd burst into laughter.

"What’s that supposed to mean?" Mr. Wood’s face darkened.

"What’s it mean?" Emily crossed her arms. "You let this woman abuse your children—either you’re blind, or—" She dragged out her words deliberately. "You suspect Henry and Daisy aren’t really yours?"

Gasps erupted instantly.

"No way..."

"Henry looks just like his grandma..."

"Daisy takes after her mother..."

Mr. Wood’s expression grew stormier. Stepmother Wang panicked. "You’re spouting nonsense!"

"Am I?" Emily raised her voice. "Then explain why you beat them while their father turns a blind eye? Unless—" She gave Mr. Wood a pointed look. "Someone’s been whispering in your ear that these kids aren’t yours?"

Mr. Wood went deathly pale.

"Mommy!" Tommy suddenly ran over, tugging Emily’s sleeve. "Henry’s burning up!"

Emily’s heart lurched. Abandoning the argument, she rushed inside to find Henry unconscious on the bed, his face flushed with fever.

"Get a doctor—now!" She scooped Henry up, shooting a glare at the couple in the doorway. "This isn’t over."