Chapter 144

Luna Whitaker rushed back from the front yard, her face glowing with excitement. "Luna, the pigs have all recovered! Old Walter's family remedy really works. Those half-dead hogs from yesterday are fighting over feed this morning!" She rolled up her sleeves to help set the table, radiating energy.

Maya handed her a bowl of cornmeal porridge, frowning slightly. "Sis, the Wallaces do know their pigs. But have you considered this is just the beginning? Hog farming is risky. Why not come to the city with me? With the boys around, setting up a stall would be safer than raising livestock."

"Now that we've started, we can't just abandon them," Luna broke a steamed bun in half, her voice firm. "At least let's raise this batch till year-end. After selling them, we'll reconsider. Don't worry, I've thought it through. As the saying goes, livestock don't count as solid assets. If things go south, I'll bring the boys to join you once you're settled."

Maya looked up in surprise—her sister had gained remarkable clarity overnight.

Their conversation was interrupted when the gate creaked open. Fiona Turner staggered in, her sallow face resembling a starving refugee. Her hungry eyes locked onto the dining table as she plopped down and grabbed chopsticks. "Perfect timing! Auntie hasn't had breakfast yet!"

As Luna started to rise, Maya gripped her wrist. "Auntie," she said coldly, "our food is precious. We can't afford your appetite. If you've nothing important, please leave."

Fiona stuffed her mouth with bun, mumbling through crumbs. "Ungrateful brat! What's wrong with sharing a meal? Fetch me another bowl of porridge!"

"None left!" Maya slammed her chopsticks down. "If you're truly starving, go beg from the old madam. We've no extra for freeloaders!"

Fiona's face turned ashen. Since the matriarch took control, she hadn't eaten a full meal—the old woman doled heaping portions to her grandsons while leaving Fiona mere scraps. Attempting to sneak food? The matriarch's cane struck harder than hunger pangs.

She glared venomously at Maya but dared not act out. This niece had grown formidable—even the matriarch couldn't control her. Cursing inwardly, Fiona finally slunk away.

Watching the hunched retreating figure, Luna sighed. "The old woman's tormenting her to death."

"Serves her right!" Maya scoffed. "Remember how she treated the matriarch? Karma's a bitch. Don't soften, Sis. Give an inch, she'll take a mile—showing up for meals daily."

Outside the gate, Fiona clutched her growling stomach, eyes flashing with malice. She'd make them pay—sooner or later.