Chapter 236

Victoria Johnson clenched the dishrag in her hands until her knuckles turned white. How dare her mother-in-law praise that country bumpkin sister-in-law at the dinner table? And even compliment those brats of hers?

"Just two wild country children," she seethed inwardly, though her face remained carefully blank.

Margaret Johnson's sharp gaze swept across the table, making Victoria immediately lower her head and pretend to wipe the table. But the disdain in her eyes hadn't escaped her mother-in-law's notice.

"Emily is doing very well now," Margaret declared, raising her voice slightly. "Her husband takes excellent care of her—she's even more radiant than when she lived in the city. And those two grandsons of mine are plump and fair-skinned, absolutely adorable."

Anthony Johnson's eyes lit up. "Really? Emily was always the prettiest. She must be stunning now!"

"You'll see for yourself when they return to the city," Henry Johnson interjected.

Return to the city? The dishrag slipped from Victoria's fingers and hit the floor with a soft thud. Were her in-laws actually considering...?

Her head snapped up just in time to catch Catherine Johnson's knowing smirk. That sister-in-law definitely knew something!

"No!" Victoria screamed internally. That job of Margaret's was worth a fortune! How could they even think of giving it to a married-off daughter? She would be the first to object!

Catherine leisurely cracked sunflower seeds between her teeth, deliberately ignoring Victoria's pleading look.

"My parents can give their jobs to whoever they please," she thought coldly. "If you hadn't schemed to send Emily to the countryside in the first place, we wouldn't be in this mess."

"Catherine," Anthony asked guilelessly, "do you think Emily will still recognize me? I've gained quite a bit of weight."

Catherine burst out laughing. "With that belly of yours, she'd have to be blind not to."

Victoria gritted her teeth. How could this woman be so obtuse? This was the time to present a united front!

"It's getting late. Time for everyone to head home," Henry announced, rising to see them out.

Catherine promptly pulled her husband to his feet. "We'll be going now, Mom and Dad."

Outside, Anthony scratched his head. "That was clever of you back there, dear."

Catherine rolled her eyes. "Oh, you..." She lowered her voice. "Your brother definitely knows what happened back then. Don't play the fool with me."

Under the moonlight, their shadows stretched long across the ground. Catherine linked arms with her husband, thinking: This idiot might be slow, but at least his heart's in the right place.