Chapter 292
"This dress design is lovely!" Jessica River ran her fingers over the fabric Emily had brought, her eyes sparkling.
Emily smiled slightly. "Once you're feeling better, I'll teach you how to sketch designs."
She noticed the fleeting shadow in Jessica's eyes.
"I... I don't know how to sew," Jessica murmured, her voice dropping.
"That's alright." Emily flipped open her sketchbook. "Look—just adding a bow transforms this dress completely."
When Martha River entered with a enamel mug, she caught the rare sight of her daughter smiling.
"Mom..." Jessica called softly.
Martha's eyes welled up. She quickly set down the mug and retreated. Outside, the children were sharing the White Rabbit candies Emily had brought.
"Mommy!" David Stone came running, waving a candy wrapper.
Emily ruffled his hair. "Time to go home."
On the way, Michael suddenly spoke. "The admission letter should've arrived by now."
Emily's steps faltered.
"I'll check at the post office tomorrow," Michael said, his tone darkening.
The next noon, Michael returned dusty and weary, carrying a parcel and letter.
"The post office said it hasn't come yet," he said grimly. "This is from your mother."
Emily's hands trembled as she opened the letter.
"The admission letter... could someone have stolen my identity?" Her voice shook.
Michael gripped her hand. "Don't worry. I'll keep checking daily."
His eyes hardened. Last year's rainy night flashed through his mind—Jessica covered in blood. This time, no one would lay a finger on what belonged to his wife.
"Mom wants us to return," Emily said quietly. "She mentioned arranging a job."
"What do you think?"
"Isn't business good enough?" Emily looked up. "Last year's earnings could buy two storefronts."
Michael relaxed. They were no longer pushovers.
"Michael!" Daniel River's booming voice shattered the calm.
Michael frowned toward the door. A visit at this hour never meant good news.
(Plot threads to develop:
Daniel's true motive for the sudden visit
The conspiracy behind the missing admission letter
The unspoken danger in Margaret Johnson's letter
The real reason for Jessica's sudden improvement)