Chapter 56

"Mother, you're back!" Robert Stone staggered into the yard carrying two buckets of water. Spotting Mary Stone returning from outside, he quickly set down the carrying pole. "Elizabeth is already working in the kitchen."

Patricia Stone came back from the river with a basin of laundry. Seeing her mother-in-law walking from the direction of the third son's house, her eyes narrowed. "Mother, didn't Emily invite you to stay for breakfast?"

Mary frowned, her dislike for her second daughter-in-law growing. This woman was always stirring up trouble—worse than Emily had ever been!

"Emily is very thoughtful," Mary said loudly, deliberately raising her voice. "She made me white noodles this morning, even poached an egg in them. Delicious!"

The yard fell silent. Patricia's eyes widened, and she nearly dropped her laundry basin.

Noodles? Eggs?

Since when had Emily become so generous?

Little George, hearing the word "noodles," immediately clung to his mother's leg. "Mom, I want noodles too!"

Patricia shoved him away irritably. "Go ask your aunt for some!"

"No!" Little George shrank back. "Aunt Emily hits people!"

Mary snorted. "Those noodles were sent by Emily's mother. Want some? Tell your mother to take you to your own grandmother's house!"

Patricia's face turned livid. She smacked Little George's bottom. "Always greedy! Always greedy!"

The boy burst into loud wails.

From the main house, John Stone Sr.'s voice rang out. "William, when Michael gets back, we're dividing the family property."

William Stone's hoe clattered to the ground. "Father, what did you say?"

Patricia froze. Dividing the family? That meant she'd have to do all the laundry, cooking, and fieldwork herself from now on!

"Pick your own homestead land," John said firmly.

In the kitchen, Lucy tiptoed to share the news with Lily and Elizabeth. The three exchanged smiles, their eyes gleaming.