Chapter 21

"Come in, quick!" Lily Stone pulled her sister's hand as they tiptoed into their parents' room.

Elizabeth Stone was rocking her youngest son to sleep when she noticed her daughters sneaking in. She lowered her voice. "What's going on?"

"Look, Mom!" Lucy dug into her pocket and pulled out a cluster of deep purple grapes, presenting them like treasure.

Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Where did you—?"

"David gave them to us!" Lily whispered excitedly. "They're so sweet!"

The four of them huddled on the bed, carefully sharing the rare treat. Each grape was so delicious it made them squint with delight—even the baby smacked his lips and grinned.

Meanwhile, the scene at Henry Wood's house was starkly different.

Slap!

The sharp sound of a hand striking flesh echoed across the yard.

"You little thief! How dare you hoard food for yourself!" Henry's stepmother, Lily Wilson, glared at the scrawny boy and snatched the last few grapes from his hand.

Henry clutched his stinging cheek but lifted his chin stubbornly. "Aunt Patricia gave them to me!"

"Which aunt?" His father, George Wilson, stepped out of the house, frowning.

"Mrs. Stone..." Henry mumbled.

The couple exchanged glances, both surprised. The news of Emily Johnson's fight with Patricia Stone had already spread through the entire production team.

"Selfish brat! You didn't even think to share with your brother?" Lily screeched.

George sighed. "Henry, next time you get something good, remember to give some to your little brother."

Behind Henry, his sister Daisy clenched the hem of her shirt, tears welling in her eyes. She remembered how her brother hadn’t even let them lick the wrapper when he got candy last time.

"Yes, Dad," Henry muttered, staring at the ground.

Once the adults were gone, Henry quickly pulled two hidden grapes from his waistband and popped them into Daisy’s mouth.

"Shh—" He pressed a finger to his lips. Seeing her astonished joy, his dirt-streaked face finally broke into a smile.

Meanwhile, Emily Johnson sat at her desk, lost in thought.

What if... I can't go back?

The moment the idea surfaced, it grew like weeds. She abruptly stood and began rummaging through her belongings.

"Just these few?" Emily stared at the handful of tattered textbooks on the table, finally understanding why the original owner had failed the college entrance exam.

She bit her lip, determination hardening in her gaze.

If she couldn’t return for now, she had to prepare to stay. The college entrance exam was her only way out!

Emily opened her PennyDeals system and immediately ordered The Self-Study Series for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. As for English? She had already passed Level Six.

"Next year's exam..." Emily murmured, her fingers absently tapping the desk.

Outside, the setting sun stretched her shadow long across the floor.