Chapter 20

Charles Clark stared at the crisp hundred-dollar bill, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Michael, this is..."

Michael Stone counted the money expressionlessly. "For her."

A hundred bucks! That was three months' wages for an average worker! Charles swallowed hard but didn’t dare ask further.

Meanwhile, Emily Johnson was busy at the foot of the mountain. She deftly unpacked the fruit, transferring wild grapes and small peaches into a bamboo basket. Afterward, she carefully buried the packaging in the soil.

"Big brother, did Mommy abandon us?" Tommy tugged at David’s sleeve, his eyes red.

David forced a brave face. "No, she didn’t." But his small hands clenched the basket strap so tightly his knuckles turned white.

"Waaah—Mommy—!" Tommy suddenly burst into tears.

"What’s wrong?" Emily hurried over with the basket.

Both boys rushed toward her. Tommy clung to her leg while David gripped the hem of her shirt.

Emily’s heart softened. The original owner’s sins had become her burden.

"Look what I found!" She shook the basket playfully. "Wild grapes and peaches!"

The children’s attention immediately shifted. Henry Wood’s eyes lit up at the sight of the fresh fruit.

"Here." Emily handed Henry a bunch first. "Take some back for your sister."

On the way home, David suddenly spoke up. "Mom, can we give some to Lily?"

Lily? Emily searched her memory for this minor character.

"Go ahead, but don’t let anyone see you," she warned.

The two boys sneaked to the old house like little thieves. David stuffed the grapes into Lily’s pocket and dashed off.

"Sis, what did David give you?" Lucy peeked curiously.

Lily pulled out the glistening purple grapes, and both sisters gasped in surprise.

Meanwhile, Michael stood at the village entrance, the burning hundred-dollar bill still clutched in his hand...