Chapter 353

That morning, Eason brought Emma to the Nicholas‘ Residence.

He had informed his family in advance, so Judith and Penny were waiting at home.

Upon seeing Eason and Emma arrive, a smile couldn’t help but spread across Judith’s face.

It seemed Eason was finally settling down.

She even felt like she could already envision a future surrounded by grandchildren.

“Emma, come, sit here,” Judith warmly invited.

Eason, aware of Emma’s fear of strangers, subtly intercepted Judith’s gaze and then led Emma to sit to the side.

Judith, observing Eason’s carefulness, smiled even wider.

She found joy in her son’s happiness. Seeing him content in his marriage brought her the greatest pleasure.

“Penny, this is the birthday gift I’ve prepared for you,” Eason said, taking out a meticulously wrapped gift box.

However, Penny didn’t reach out to take it.

Suppressing her tumultuous emotions, she said softly. “Eason, give it to me at my party tonight.”

Eason felt a tinge of guilt but explained, “Sorry, I’ve got an urgent business matter tonight and might not make it to your party. So, I’m giving you your gift now.”

Penny’s hand tightened instantly.

Penny thought, ‘Business matter?

‘Was it really a business matter?’

H She looked at the silent Emma, resentment nearly spilling over.

“What was so special about Emma?

“In such a short time, she had ensnared Eason to the point where he was neglecting me.

Penny’s heart was in turmoil, but she managed a strained smile, “Come on, Eason, can’t you postpone it? I really want you there.”

Eason softened a bit at Penny’s appearance but knew better that taking Emma out was one thing while taking her to a party was another.

He thought to himself, ‘With Emma’s current state, even a slightly larger crowd could frighten her.

JMMM “Not to mention, it’s quite a lively party.”

“Sorry, but this time, it’s a no–go,” Eason said, his mind made up.

“I had been to Penny’s birthday bashes more times than I could count and knew there would be plenty more.

‘But the situation with Emma was urgent.

‘It’s a matter of life and death.

‘I couldn’t risk Emma’s health just to attend Penny’s party.

“It just wasn’t in my principles.‘

Penny pursed her lips and turned to Emma, “So, Emma, are you coming tonight?”

Emma didn’t respond, but Eason quickly interjected, “She’s tied up too.”

Pain stabbed at Penny’s heart.

‘It hadn’t been long, but Eason was already so protective of someone else.”

57% 09:46 Penny couldn’t hold back. She asked with a forced smile, “What’s going on? I thought Emma worked for Susan’s company. But when I stopped by Storm Group recently, Emma was nowhere to be found.

Susan mentioned she was on leave. So, what’s someone who’s not even coming to work so busy with?”

Emma seemed disconnected, not really listening to the conversation.

However, Eason frowned, looking at Penny, “Emma’s just dealing with some stuff.”

“And what might that stuff be?” Penny pressed, her tone aggressive.

Eason blocked her view, replying, “Penny, it’s her personal matter. You don’t need the details.”

Eason was clearly getting annoyed.

Penny bit her lip and said apologetically, “Forget I mentioned it. It’s okay if you don’t want to come to my party. I get it, I’m just an outsider to you, with no family connections.”

Penny lost control of her emotions, her words becoming harsher.

Judith sensed the tension and quickly said, “Penny, you know Eason well. He must have a real issue to miss this. How about I make him prepare some extra gifts for you? How does that sound?”

“It could be dozens of gifts, for all I care,” Eason added.

Penny thought, ‘Gifts? Was that what I really wanted?’

But Penny realized she might have gone too far.

MNM 57% 09:46 She managed a weak smile, “No need. I was being unreasonable earlier. You may go and take care of your stuff, Eason.”

Penny’s reaction made Eason uncomfortable, but given Emma’s situation, he had no choice but to let Penny down this time.

After sitting for a while, Eason left with Emma.

At the doorway, there was a threshold.

Eason helped Emma over it, gently reminding her to watch her step.

He showed a level of care and gentleness as if he were handling something incredibly fragile and precious.

Penny watched, barely containing the jealousy brewing in her heart.

She’s burning with jealousy seeing Eason being all sweet to Emma.

“What’s wrong. Penny?” Judith noticed Penny’s off–color and couldn’t help but ask.

“It’s nothing.” Penny forced a smile. “I just think that Eason is being a bit too nice to Emma.”

Judith laughed, “That’s a good thing.”

Penny said to Judith, “Mom, think about it. It’s only been a few days and Emma’s already got Eason eating out of her hand. She walked in and didn’t even bother to talk to us. That’s her way of flaunting Eason’s affection, to intimidate us. Once she’s really in with the family, I bet she won’t show you any respect as her mother–in–law.”

Judith didn’t see it that way. She casually said, “Penny, are you overthinking? Emma is shy by nature.

It’s understandable she doesn’t talk much. As for respect, I don’t live with them. As long as they’re happy, that’s all that matters.”

Judith appeared blissfully ignorant. Penny bit her lip, unsure what to say.

“Penny, forget about your brother. The party tonight is almost ready. Do you want to check it out?”

Judith said excitedly.

“No, Mom, up to you.” Penny managed another forced smile.

Right now, her mind wasn’t on the party.

All she wanted to know was how far Emma and Eason had progressed.

w The evening party was grand, and Judith put a lot of effort into it.

But Penny’s heart wasn’t in it. Her gaze constantly drifted to the door. Seeing Susan arrive, she quickly went to greet her.

“Susan,” Penny looked at Susan with eager eyes.

“Happy birthday, Susan said, smiling as she presented a gift.

Penny took it absent–mindedly and couldn’t wait to ask, “Susan, Emma works for you, right?”

JMM M F F F T G *

57% 09:46 “Yes,” Susan replied.

“Is there any information about Emma at the company?” Penny asked. “Eason seems to be with her. I want to know more about her.”

Penny felt that her request was just a minor one, especially when weighed against the significant sacrifice she had made. for Susan her own leg.

But Susan refused. She said softly, “Sorry, employee information is confidential.”

“I won’t tell anyone,” Penny pleaded.

“It’s really not possible,” Susan refused again.

Penny clenched her fists, a shadow crossing her eyes.

Penny thought, I had sacrificed so much for Susan.

‘But Susan wouldn’t even do me this small favor.

‘Did she really see me as a sister?

‘Or as a friend?

וי ‘I was blind to have given an even a bit of my kindness.

‘Alright, if Susan wasn’t willing to spill the beans about Emma’s situation, I would take matters into my own hands.

‘I always had this hunch that there was a massive secret lurking behind Emma.

“And that secret would be Emma’s Achilles‘ heel.‘