Chapter 5

"This is sponge cake. It tastes even better with milk," Emily Johnson coaxed the two children gently.

The little boys timidly reached for the bread, stealing glances at her before taking small, cautious bites.

"Is it good?" She softened her voice as much as possible.

David hesitated before whispering, "Yes." He immediately hunched his shoulders, as if expecting a slap any second.

"Take your time." Emily stood up and headed to the kitchen, relieved. The wood-burning stove had been a nightmare. As a modern office worker, she could barely handle a gas stove, let alone this primitive method.

"Brother, Mommy didn't hit us today," Tommy whispered to David, his voice barely audible.

David frowned. Something was off about their mother today. Not only had she given them such expensive treats, but she'd even made them milk. Was she... planning to abandon them and return to the city?

"Eat fast," David urged his brother, though his own stomach twisted with unease.

Meanwhile, at the Stone family home.

"It's already noon—why haven't the boys come for lunch?" Mary Stone set down her chopsticks, her brow furrowed. Had that city-bred daughter-in-law of hers caused trouble again?

Unable to sit still, Mary hurried toward her youngest son's house.

"David! Tommy!" Pushing open the half-closed gate, she spotted her grandsons holding bowls.

"Grandma!" The boys called out as if she were their savior.

In the kitchen, Emily dropped the fire poker with a loud clang. Oh no—her mother-in-law! How was she supposed to handle this when she was stuck in the role of the story's villainess?

"Grandma, I'll put my bowl away!" David mustered his courage to dash into the kitchen, tossed his bowl onto the counter, and bolted back outside.

Mary held Tommy's hand, noticing the sweet milky scent on him. Had that wasteful daughter-in-law actually given the children malt extract?

Watching David flee, Emily sighed. The original owner must have abused these kids terribly for them to be this scared.

"What did you have for lunch?" Mary crouched to wipe Tommy's dirty face.

Just as David opened his mouth to answer—

BANG!

A loud crash came from the kitchen.