Chapter 231

"We could have scraped together the money back then..." Margaret Johnson's voice trembled.

She remembered it clearly. That day, her eldest daughter-in-law had come to her with red-rimmed eyes, saying the factory supervisors were watching their family. If they didn't send a child to the countryside, her husband's job might be at risk.

"Mom, think about it. If someone reports us, he'll lose his job."

Those words had hardened Henry Johnson's resolve to send Emily away.

"Emily said she never signed up." Margaret clenched the hem of her shirt.

Anthony Johnson's enamel mug clattered to the floor, hot water splashing everywhere.

"If she didn't, then who did?" His head snapped up, meeting his mother's bloodshot eyes.

The same realization struck them both.

"Bring your wife home tonight," Margaret said coldly. "We're dividing the family assets."

Anthony gave a bitter smile. "Didn't Sister-in-law say... as a live-in son-in-law, I have no right to the inheritance?"

"Your father and I aren't dead yet!" Margaret turned on her heel and left.

Watching his mother's hunched back, Anthony suddenly laughed.

"Dad, Emily sent some dried vegetables." Chef Zhao held up the package proudly. "We'll cook them with meat someday."

His fingers brushed against the heavy slab of cured meat inside, his heart twisting with mixed emotions. Was Emily doing alright in the countryside?

Then he recalled his mother's words. If Emily hadn't signed up... who else could it have been?

Their eldest sister had married out long ago. Him and their younger brother... that left only...

"I'm such a fool." He smacked his forehead hard. All these years, and only now did he understand.

Margaret went straight to the factory to find Henry.

"Why are you back?" Henry frowned. "Where is she?"

"She didn't come."

"Nonsense!" Henry slammed his hand on the table. "After all these years, she's still holding a grudge?"

"About being sent to the countryside..." Margaret met his gaze squarely. "Emily didn't sign up."

Henry's raised hand froze mid-air.

"She said that herself?"

"Someone signed her up." Margaret enunciated each word.

Henry's face paled. "They'd need the household register to..." His voice trailed off as the implication hit him.

The room fell deathly silent.