Chapter 232

"Henry, do you remember?" Margaret Johnson's voice suddenly choked with emotion. "That day Emily cried and said if we forced her to the countryside, she'd never acknowledge us again."

Henry Johnson's fingers trembled slightly. How could he forget? His youngest daughter's tear-filled eyes still haunted his dreams.

"But back then..."

"Back then, Amy Bright said withdrawing after signing up would affect their jobs." Margaret let out a bitter laugh. "Looking back now, from sending Emily away to forcing Anthony into that arranged marriage—we were all dancing to her tune."

Henry opened his mouth, but no words came out.

"Let's divide the family tonight." Margaret turned to leave. "Richard and his wife both have jobs. It's time they stood on their own."

"Wait!" Henry finally found his voice. "What about Emily...?"

"She's married." Margaret paused, her tone eerily calm. "To the village chief's son. She has two bright children now. She said she'd only return if she could bring her husband and kids with her."

Henry staggered back two steps, hitting the wall. Only then did it strike him—Emily had been the prettiest of all their children. And in a place like that...

"She... really won't come back?"

Margaret didn't answer. She walked out, her shadow stretching long in the setting sun.

Meanwhile, the aroma of noodles filled the Stone family courtyard.

"Sis!" Ethan Miller burst in, panting. "I saw Thomas Bright meeting with some man in his thirties—they were talking about money and... sleeping with someone!"

Emily's chopsticks clattered onto the table. She understood instantly—they were planning to force the matter!

"Ethan, eat first." She suppressed her fury. "After dinner, we're going to see Chief Stone. They're making their move tonight."

The two boys nervously shoveled noodles into their mouths. Ethan's hands wouldn't stop shaking.

By full nightfall, a small group approached the old Stone residence with flashlights. The village was unnervingly quiet, their footsteps echoing sharply in the dark.

"Dad! Dad!"

John Stone Sr. threw on a coat and opened the door to find his daughter-in-law standing outside with the children and Ethan. His heart sank.

"What's wrong?"

The night wind rustled fallen leaves as distant dogs barked. A storm was brewing in the darkness.