Chapter 204

"Nicholas, since there's nothing else, can I take Clara out for a bit?" he asked. "Sure, sure! Clara, have a good time with Mr. Evans. If anything happens, just let Grandma know—I'll back you up all the way!" Martha said, protective and unusually warm. Clara gave her a quick look, not sure if it was genuine or just for show. Either way, this was the most polite Martha had ever been to her. Without a word, Clara followed Nicholas out of the house. Seeing that, Emily got ready to leave too. "Emily... wait, Emily!" Jeffery chased after her. But Sean and Nancy stepped in to block him. "Jeffery, I think you and Emily should keep some distance. No need to upset your parents again," Sean said calmly. "Exactly. You two weren't meant to be anyway. Better to let it go." "But Uncle Sean... I really like her," Jeffery said, his voice full of sincerity. "Well, liking her isn't enough," Nancy cut in quickly. "If you can't offer her a better life, then forget about it. Our Emily won't settle for less