Chapter 168

"If I don't speak up, how long were you planning to stay silent? Didn't you learn your lesson last time? It's because of your indecisiveness that Evelyn married that wealthy heir—a complete mismatch. Now she's unhappy."

"Mom..."

"Enough. Go explain yourself to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson."

Peter Harrison's ears burned red. He hadn't expected his mother to confront him so abruptly. Thank goodness Evelyn wasn't here—he would've wanted to vanish on the spot.

Grace Anderson noticed his discomfort and intervened. "Peter, could you check on the food in the kitchen? It's taking a while."

Peter seized the opportunity. "I'll go right away."

The private dining room was left with just the three elders.

Auntie Lucy sipped her tea leisurely. "This Lu'an melon-seed tea is quite good."

Andrew and Grace Anderson offered polite nods, though their hearts felt heavy.

Emily Anderson tried to bolt the moment they stepped out of the restaurant.

Evelyn grabbed her arm. "Do you have enough money? Don't always let Kyle pay for everything."

Emily shook her head vigorously. "Sis..."

"I know."

"Thanks, sis!"

Watching her sister's taxi disappear, Evelyn transferred some money with a smile. But as she turned, she nearly collided with a familiar face.

"Peter?"

His smile was strained. "The elders were talking. I thought it'd be better if I stepped out."

"Feeling better now?"

"Yeah."

"Want to take a walk?"

Evelyn understood immediately. "Auntie Lucy brought up marriage again?"

"...Yeah."

"Emily's still too young. I'm afraid Auntie Lucy will be disappointed."

Peter rubbed his hands together. "That boy seems decent. They suit each other."

"But we should consider his family background. I used to think matching social status was outdated, but now I see the wisdom in it."

Peter's eyes brightened. "You think so too?"

"At least their values should align. Unlike me—forcing myself into a different world only made me feel out of place."

Peter scratched his head and chuckled. "You're right."

"Peter."

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for looking after Emily all these years. I won't forget your kindness."

He sighed. "Do you really think I like Emily?"

"...Don't you?"

"She's practically a kid. I'm not that much of a creep."

"But Auntie Lucy—"

Evelyn suddenly froze. Her expression shifted from shock to confusion, then settled into hesitant disbelief.

"Watch out—"

The shattering of glass exploded through the air.