Chapter 528

Emma's eyes reddened with anger as she listened to the complaints around her. Her fury wasn't for herself, but for Willow. Nearly every educated youth at their station had enjoyed the sauces from Green Mountain Workshop. Some of those now speaking against Willow had even exploited their friendship to buy dozens of bottles at discounted prices, only to resell them at inflated rates—a fact Willow had overlooked entirely out of respect for Emma and Dylan. Yet now, when simply asked to include Willow in their study group and answer her occasional questions, these ungrateful souls made excuses and looked down on her. Who did they think they were? Just as Emma was about to speak up, Dylan's hand closed over hers. "You all make fair points," he said calmly. "How many here believe Willow's participation would hinder the group's progress?" Lucy, interpreting this as support for their side, eagerly raised her hand. After a moment's hesitation, the other dissenting youths followed suit—more than