Chapter 238

"I'm not a thief! Thomas Bright sent me!" The man struggled desperately against the hands pinning him to the ground.

Emily Johnson sneered as she lifted his chin with a wooden stick. "Oh? So Thomas told you to steal? Or was it to harass women?"

"I... I..." The man stammered, his eyes darting around nervously.

Michael Stone kept him pinned, but a chill ran down his spine. Emily had always seemed so gentle—why did her gaze suddenly feel so terrifying?

"Ethan, gag him," Emily turned away. "Let's go settle this with Thomas."

The night wind howled as the group marched toward the Bright residence, their anger palpable.

Bang! Bang! Bang! The knocking shattered the silence of the night.

"Who—who is it?" Thomas's voice quivered with guilt.

No one answered—only more urgent pounding.

Trembling, Thomas opened the door to find John Stone Sr. glaring at him, his expression thunderous.

"Thomas Bright, you've got some nerve!" John barked.

"Captain, wh-what did I do?" Thomas's legs nearly gave out.

Emily stepped forward. "Dad, Thomas conspired with an outsider to steal from the village. We caught him red-handed."

"That's a lie! I didn't!" Thomas jumped in panic.

Right on cue, Ethan yanked the gag from the captive's mouth.

"Thomas! You told me your village had a good harvest this year! You even pointed out which families had money!" the man blurted.

Thomas turned ghostly pale. "You're framing me!"

Emily smirked. "Funny. Out of everyone, why would he name you?"

Thomas scrambled for an excuse. "I—I owe him money! He's lying for revenge!"

"Is that so?" Emily's gaze slid meaningfully to the captive.

The man shuddered. "Y-yes! He owes me money..."

Nancy Bright rushed out. "Captain, my husband is an honest man! He'd never steal!"

"Honest?" Emily scoffed. "Honest men sneak outsiders into the village at midnight?"

John's voice was steel. "Thomas, this isn't over. Tomorrow, you'll answer to the entire village."

Thomas collapsed to the ground, watching the group leave with gritted teeth. His perfect plan—how had it unraveled?

Emily lingered, casting one last glance at the Bright house. A cold smile curled her lips. Try to hurt me? Let’s see how you like your own medicine.