Inviting You Back to the Evans Family

Margaret Evans had always been afraid of her stern father-in-law. The moment Grandpa Evans roared at her, her face turned pale and her hands began to tremble.

"Mom, don’t be scared. Lucky and I are here with you." Lily Evans gently held Margaret Evans’s hand.

Margaret steadied herself and nodded. With her daughter and son-in-law backing her up, she no longer needed to fear the Evans family!

"What do you mean by that?" Lily stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Grandpa Evans with a half-smile.

Grandpa Evans narrowed his eyes at Lily and stroked his beard. "Lily, even though your mother did something shameful back then, it’s been so long now. As long as she changes and doesn’t repeat her mistakes, we can let bygones be bygones."

The scandal involving Margaret and Sam Evans was always a sore spot for Margaret. Every time it was mentioned, her heart would race. Now, with Grandpa Evans bringing it up again, she felt like she was about to collapse.

Lily hated Grandpa Evans in that moment. She supported Margaret and said to Cynthia Wu, "Cynthia, it’s too chaotic out here. Help my mom inside to rest."

Cynthia Wu answered and helped Margaret Evans into the house.

Lily narrowed her eyes at Grandpa Evans. "Everyone in the village can see what kind of person my mom is. As for the rumors about her and Uncle Sam, some people know the real story, so stop pretending to be confused! Wasn’t it just to save a few mouthfuls of grain that you ruined a widow’s reputation? My mom and I were kicked out and that wasn’t miserable enough for you? Why do you still want to throw more dirt on her?"

Grandpa Evans hadn’t expected Lily to be so bold and talk back to him. He was furious and shouted, "You little brat, getting all tough now, huh? How dare you talk to your grandfather like that! You ungrateful thing!"

"Oh, old man, don't get yourself worked up," Grandma Evans hurriedly soothed Grandpa Evans, whispering, "Old man, don't forget why we're here. Now is not the time to fall out with Lily. Once we get the money, we can deal with her properly!"

Grandpa Evans grunted twice and nodded, falling silent.

Grandma Evans cleared her throat and smiled warmly at Lily Evans. "Lily, the past is behind us. Our families get along so well now, don't they? You and your mother are all alone in the village, you can't even get your household registration settled. You're my real granddaughter, and your mother is my real daughter-in-law. How could I bear to see you suffer? I've discussed it with the family these days, and we've decided you and your mother should come back to the Evans Family, so you won't have to be outcasts and endure people's disdain anymore."

Lily couldn't help but laugh. So that's their game—they're playing the emotional card, trying to coax her and her mother back to the Evans Family? Do they really think she's that gullible?

Seeing Lily laugh, Grandma Evans thought she was tempted, so she kept smiling. "Lily, you and your mother need the Evans Family to avoid being bullied. Otherwise, as widows and orphans, people will look down on you. If you move back, you'll still be part of the second branch of the Evans Family. How wonderful for our family to be together again."

Lily looked at Grandma Evans, smiling but with eyes as cold as ice. "Grandma, from what you're saying, my mother and I really are pitiful, all alone and helpless..."

Grandma Evans thought Lily was taking the bait and inwardly cursed her for being a fool, but outwardly she appeared even more kind. "Exactly! Let me tell you, since the village chief and everyone are here, why not make it official today? You two should move back to the Evans Family."

Lily's smile grew even sweeter. "Grandma, if we move back, what happens to the money we've earned? By rights, since you're so kind as to let us return, our money should become the family's money, and we ought to hand it all over to the family coffers. Isn't that how it works?"