Chapter 517

Just moments ago at Willow's home, Martha had already cracked her head open. The wound had barely begun to heal when this fresh impact sent blood gushing anew, painting a pitiful sight that tugged at the heartstrings. Villagers gathered around couldn't help but murmur among themselves, some even stepping forward to steady Martha. "Oh dear, Jerry's wife, stop banging your head like this—you'll do yourself real harm!" Feeling the weight of the crowd's accusatory stares, Wendy's eyes flickered with panic. She stammered, "Wh-what nonsense about selling anyone? I just couldn’t bear to see my poor granddaughter Mia suffer—starving and slaving away at home every day. I only wanted to find her a good match!" With that, she launched into a theatrical display of crocodile tears, sniffling and wailing. "None of you understand how hard life is for our family these days! We barely have enough grain to scrape by, and my husband’s own son and daughter-in-law are rolling in money but refuse to lift a