Chapter 60

"What's this? Trying to plead for Peter Wilson now?" Mary Stone scoffed. "They’ve already said every excuse in the book!"

Grace blinked innocently. "Grandma, Aunt Emily said those who do wrong should be punished."

Mary nodded approvingly. "And punished they should be. Go keep an eye on the Wilsons—see if they cause any trouble for your aunt."

"On it!" Grace dashed off without another word. She’d gotten plenty of treats from her aunt—this was the least she could do.

In the kitchen, little Jack stared longingly at the stove.

"Remember," Mary whispered sternly, "not a word to your uncles about the food your aunt gives you."

Jack nodded solemnly. He hadn’t forgotten how Richard had snatched his candy last time—that bully even hit David and Tommy.

Before long, Grace came panting back. "Grandma, Peter’s mother is sick with anger!"

A cold smile curled Mary’s lips. "Good. Now go play."

When the Stone family returned from work and sat down for dinner, Patricia muttered under her breath, "People are saying Emily’s too ruthless..."

Smack! Mary slammed her chopsticks on the table. "Ruthless? Should she have waited for Peter to empty her house? Sounds like you’ve had too much to eat—skip dinner tonight!"

Patricia’s eyes widened. Over one little comment?

"Apologize!" William yanked his wife’s sleeve urgently. After a morning’s work, his stomach was growling.

Grudgingly, Patricia mumbled, "I’m sorry, Ma... Emily’s raising two kids alone, it’s not easy..."

"Enough!" John Stone Sr. barked.

Patricia shrank back, silenced. Her full bowl of rice was promptly halved by her mother-in-law. She didn’t dare resent the elders—so she directed her fury at Emily instead.

This is all Emily’s fault! If she hadn’t gone to fetch that package, would there have been a thief?

Still, Peter’s one-year sentence had scared off the other troublemakers in the village. That woman really had the guts to send someone to jail!

Meanwhile, Emily was busy in the kitchen. The sweet aroma of steamed cake wafted through the air as she sprinkled raisins into the batter.

"Mommy, are you still cooking?" Tommy peeked in from the doorway. Had she not eaten enough because Grace and the others came over?

"I’m making sweet potato cake."

When the cake emerged from the steamer, both boys’ eyes sparkled.

"Want a taste?" Emily broke off a small piece.

"So good!"

"Delicious!"

Emily tried a bite herself. Not bad—still got the touch.

"Take some to Grandpa and Grandma," she reminded them. "It won’t keep long."