Chapter 133: Helen Reed Hummed a Cheerful Tune

Helen Reed hummed a cheerful tune as she walked home with Emily and Elena Ward. The satisfaction of finally getting revenge was written all over her face, her grin impossible to hide.

"Mom, slow down," Emily said, eyeing her mother's triumphant expression with mild concern.

"Slow down? Not today!" Helen swung her arms energetically. "Those two old fools from the Baker family had it coming!"

Elena suppressed a smile but stayed silent. She knew how long Helen had been holding in her anger, and seeing her finally confront the Bakers was undeniably satisfying.

In the kitchen, Elena swiftly chopped vegetables while Emily crouched by the stove, feeding the fire with occasional sighs.

"What's wrong?" Elena asked without looking up.

"I just... feel guilty about Mom," Emily muttered. "If only I hadn't been so blind back then..."

Elena paused mid-chop. "Regretting it now?"

"How could I not?" Emily's eyes reddened. "Did you see how happy she was today? All because of me..."

"Enough!" Elena slammed the knife onto the cutting board. "Stop crying. Your mom just wants what's best for you. If you really feel bad, then live well from now on."

Emily wiped her face. "I just... don’t know what to do next."

Elena arranged the chopped vegetables neatly. "Not going back to school?"

"School?" Emily gave a bitter laugh. "I barely scraped by with a middle school diploma. What’s the point?"

"So what then? Getting married?" Elena teased.

"Elena!" Emily stomped her foot in frustration. "Who would want me like this?"

Elena poured oil into the wok, and the moment the scallions hit the heat, a rich aroma filled the air.

"Maybe... I could go with you to the city?" Emily suddenly suggested.

Elena nearly dropped the spatula. "Are you crazy? Do you think your parents would agree?"

"I..." Emily bit her lip. "I just don’t want to stay here. The way people in the village look at me..."

Elena sighed. "You think the city will be any easier?"

Outside, Elena's sister called everyone to wash up for dinner. Elena quickly dropped the noodles into the boiling water, letting the subject drop.

"Food's ready!" Emily carried the bowls out, her smile back in place.

Helen's eyes lit up at the sight of the steaming noodles with savory minced pork. "Oh my, Elena! Your cooking could rival a professional chef!"

The two neighbor ladies nodded in agreement. Elena’s sister passed out chopsticks with a smile. "Don’t be shy—eat while it's hot."

On the doorstep, Luke and Aaron Jackson hunched over their bowls, devouring the meal without looking up.

"Bro, this is amazing," Aaron whispered.

Luke nodded and ladled himself more broth. Watching the happy family inside, warmth spread through his chest.

This was what home was supposed to feel like.