Chapter 32

"I'll go check." Sophia Green said with a dark expression.

If Emily didn’t show up, her entire plan would be ruined. She had to make sure Emily left in disgrace—otherwise, she wouldn’t rest easy.

"Hurry up. I ain’t got all day," the man snapped impatiently.

Sophia quickened her pace toward the Stone household, her mind racing. If she could pull this off before Michael returned, everything would fall into place.

But there was no sign of Emily along the way, and Sophia’s frown deepened.

"That kid definitely delivered the message..." she muttered under her breath. "Why wouldn’t she come?"

The Stone family’s front door was shut tight. Suppressing her anger, Sophia forced a fake smile and knocked.

"Who is it?" Emily’s voice called from inside.

The door opened, and Emily’s expression turned cold the moment she saw Sophia.

"Emily, why didn’t you come?" Sophia asked, feigning concern.

"Come where?" Emily played dumb.

Sophia gritted her teeth but kept up the act. "I sent someone to tell you."

"Oh?" Emily pretended to suddenly remember. "If it was important, you could’ve just come here. I’m busy studying for the college entrance exams—I don’t have time to run around."

Inside, two little boys—barefoot and peeking over the windowsill—watched the exchange.

Sophia’s face darkened. This bitch isn’t falling for it!

"It was Samuel who wanted to meet you. He’s going back to the city," Sophia lied again.

"What does that have to do with me?" Emily scoffed.

Sophia nearly bit through her tongue. "But you’ve always wanted to return to the city! Samuel has connections—"

"Who said I wanted to go back?" Emily cut her off. "The countryside is fine. Fresh air, healthy food."

Sophia trembled with rage. Since when did this idiot get so sharp?

She’d have to try another approach. Tonight, she thought viciously. It has to be tonight.