Chapter 61

Emily Johnson wrapped a large piece of freshly steamed sweet potato cake in old newspaper and handed it to the two little boys.

"David, take your brother to deliver this to Grandma."

Tommy pouted, his small hands clutching the hem of his shirt. "Mommy, I don’t want to share with Richard." The memory of being bullied last time was still fresh in his mind.

Emily crouched down and ruffled Tommy’s hair. "Don’t worry, Grandma will handle it."

The two little figures skipped off toward the old house.

"Grandma!"

"Mommy made sweet potato cake!"

Mary Stone took the still-warm cake, its sweet aroma filling the air.

Tommy looked up at her with bright eyes. "Grandma, can we not give any to Richard?"

Mary’s heart softened. She knew Richard was spoiled and often picked on the other children.

"Alright, I promise."

Before heading out to work, Mary quickly divided the cake into portions.

"Grandma, I want the biggest piece!" Richard pointed greedily at the largest slice.

Mary frowned. "This is your family’s share. Take it or leave it."

Richard glared at Lily’s portion. "Why does she get so much?"

"Because her family is bigger. Keep complaining, and I’ll take it back."

John Stone Sr. examined the golden raisins in the cake and remarked in surprise, "Michael’s wife is really generous."

"Indeed," Mary said, breaking off a small piece to taste. "She even added sugar and powdered milk."

"Powdered milk?" John’s eyebrows shot up.

"She made me a cup of milk with it the other day," Mary said casually.

John frowned. "But she’s always been desperate to return to the city. Why the sudden change?"

"Homesickness is natural," Mary cut him off. "Don’t assume the worst of her."

In the eldest son’s house, the children devoured their portions with delight.

"Mom, this is even better than the ones from the Supply & Market!" Grace licked her fingers.

Elizabeth Stone exchanged a glance with her husband. The change in Michael’s wife was too strange.

"Remember, don’t ask for anything when you visit Aunt Emily’s," Elizabeth warned sternly.

Grace lowered her head. "But she’s the one who offers..."

Emily was curled up on the kang, reading, when a knock interrupted her.

"Who is it?" she asked impatiently.

No answer.

Cautiously, she pulled the door open, squinting against the sunlight.

Standing outside was a haggard-looking Sophia Green.

"Emily..." Sophia’s voice trembled.

Emily regarded her coldly. "What do you want?"

Sophia’s heart sank. It was true—she believed the rumors.