Chapter 167

Emily suddenly widened her eyes and pointed in the distance. "Sis, isn't that—"

"Emily!" Grace snapped sharply.

Emily shrank back, casting a pitiful glance at Evelyn before biting her lip in silence.

Grace frowned sternly. "You're not a child anymore. Show some manners when elders are speaking."

Emily nodded obediently and stuck her tongue out at Evelyn when Grace wasn't looking.

Evelyn smiled to diffuse the tension. "Mom, it's fine."

Grace squeezed Evelyn's hand anxiously. "Maybe you should head home early?"

Auntie Lucy looked concerned. "Is Evelyn feeling unwell?"

"She's always gotten carsick since she was little," Grace fibbed. "Evelyn, go get some fresh air outside."

Evelyn wanted to say she no longer cared about those two people.

But Peter stood abruptly. "Mom, I'll take Evelyn for a walk."

Auntie Lucy's smile turned knowing. "Go ahead. Young people should spend more time together."

Emily immediately jumped up. "I'm coming too!" She frantically signaled Evelyn with her eyes.

Evelyn caught on. "Peter, it's Auntie Lucy's birthday. You should stay. Emily can keep me company."

Emily nodded eagerly.

Grace agreed. "Emily, take care of your sister."

"Got it!" Emily practically dragged Evelyn outside.

Watching her daughters leave, Grace sighed. "One's too mature, the other too lively."

Auntie Lucy gazed at them wistfully. "They're wonderful. Grace, you know I see them as my own daughters."

The implication was obvious.

Grace smiled politely. "Emily's still young. We want to keep her close for now—"

"Oh please," Auntie Lucy interrupted. "Emily's nowhere near marriageable age. Peter's already thirty—I can't wait forever."

Grace froze. "You mean...?"

Auntie Lucy set down her teacup bluntly. "I've taken a liking to Evelyn."

Andrew and Grace both looked stunned.

"But Evelyn was married before—"

"Divorce is perfectly normal these days," Auntie Lucy waved it off. "I've always admired Evelyn—steady, sensible. I should've brought this up sooner—"

"Mom!" Peter's face burned crimson. "We agreed not to mention this yet!"