Mystery: Gray Walker

Chapter 34 Is she pregnant?

Aunt Sylvia bombarded Green with a barrage of questions, giving him no chance to catch his breath, her face full of urgency.

The reason is simple: Victor has strict standards for his daughter's social life, let alone marriage.

Sylvia knew better than anyone else, and it was precisely because she knew this that she was even more worried that Emily would lose her head and provoke those people who were "troublesome" in Victor's eyes.

The reason Victor commissioned Emily to wear that outrageously expensive dress for the dinner party next Wednesday is all too obvious.

He hoped to use this opportunity to formally introduce his daughter into Oberhafen's high society and win the favor of true nobles or powerful figures.

After all, in this society with its clear-cut social barriers, a stable and respectable job is far from enough to achieve upward social mobility; marriage is often a more direct and accepted way to climb the social ladder.

Emily embodies the Hayes family's hopes for a "more dignified future."

Green put down his water glass. "I'm not quite sure about that. You know how she feels about me..."

He paused, thought for a moment, and said calmly:

"Emily...maybe she's just under a lot of pressure lately? Didn't you say she's about to attend that very important dinner party? It's normal for her to feel pressured, given how serious her uncle is."

"Hmm...that's possible. Your uncle has too high expectations for her, always thinking she can become a noblewoman. But if you ask me, which of those ladies doesn't have a lot of troubles? There's nothing wrong with a simpler life."

Sylvia sighed, picked up the half-finished sweater she was knitting, her fingers unconsciously stroking the yarn, her eyes still filled with worry.

"However, if you notice anything amiss, be sure to tell me, or... at least remind Emily. She can be too willful sometimes, but maybe she'll listen to you a little? After all, you're about the same age."

"Well......"

Green opened his mouth, but swallowed his words back. He knew his aunt's words stemmed more from her mother's anxiety, but it would be a miracle if Emily listened to him at all.

Ever since he and Sura moved in, Emily has bullied Sura quite a bit, argued with Green a lot, and Green has threatened her quite a bit...

Finally, Green nodded.

Dinner ended in a somewhat somber atmosphere.

"Get some rest, Green."

"You too, Auntie."

Green turned and went upstairs, the stairs creaking. When he reached his room, he didn't go in. He looked up at Emily's closed door, hesitating.

He leaned against the door frame, the scene from that night involuntarily flashing through his mind.

The pharmacist was wearing a cheap wool coat and had greasy hair. He handed Emily a small paper bag, which she quickly stuffed into her handbag, her face showing a mixture of nervousness, excitement, and smugness.

Yes, he was smug; he knew Emily too well.

Green had no intention of meddling. In his view, Emily was a spoiled, vain, and snobbish young lady.

She may be foolish, but she is by no means naive.

Emily knew exactly what she wanted: a respectable life, the envy of others, and a stepping stone to escape the middle class.

She mocked Green and Sula because she thought they were "not respectable," but outside, especially in high society, her manners were impeccable.

She remains unmarried because she doesn't like any of the men her parents introduce her to. Uncle Victor doesn't seem to mind, believing his daughter is indeed very outstanding and, although not young, is still of marriageable age.

Would someone like Emily really be so blinded by a poor, penniless pharmacist?

It was unlikely. He preferred to believe that the two were mutually benefiting, with the pharmacist providing some "fun" or "special" trinkets and Emily providing some pocket money.

But... what if?

For some reason, Green suddenly remembered those social news stories from his past life on the internet. Those who were attracted by sweet talk and seemingly "exciting" adventures ultimately ended in tragedy.

Emily may not be stupid, but she has been too well protected and lacks awareness of true malice and the cunning of those living at the bottom of society. Uncle Victor's strictness and expectations may have been the catalyst for her seeking "excitement" and "rebellion."

"Tsk, he's such a worry." Green rubbed his temples.

He hated trouble, especially family trouble. But Aunt Sylvia's worries weren't unfounded; Emily was indeed behaving strangely today. If Emily really caused some unmanageable chaos...

"Wait! Something's wrong... She... she's not pregnant, is she?!"

Green was suddenly startled by his own thoughts.

If his guess was right, then his aunt and uncle absolutely could not know about this, especially his uncle Victor, who had no doubt that the respectable uncle would beat her to death.

Thinking of this, Green quickly walked to Emily's door, paused for two seconds, and finally raised his hand to knock on the door.

A soft, hurried rustling sound came from inside the door, as if someone was hiding something. After a few seconds, Emily's voice rang out, slightly tense, "Who's there?"

"I am Green."

After a moment of silence, the door unlocked. Emily appeared behind the door, opening it only a crack. She was wearing pajamas, her hair loose. "Is something wrong so late?"

Her eyes darted away, avoiding direct gaze from Green; her cheeks seemed redder than usual, and her breathing was slightly rapid.

Green's gaze swept quickly across the room.

A thick, old book lay open on the desk, with several sheets of paper covered in messy handwriting scattered around it. A faint scent of perfume filled the air.

His gaze returned to Emily. Her flustered expression suggested she had something on her mind, something... serious.

"Are you sure you want to talk here? The hallway isn't the place to talk."

Emily's face turned pale instantly, and her fingers gripped the door frame tightly.

Green's heart sank.

"I...I don't know what you're talking about." Her voice trembled slightly as she tried to appear calm.

Seeing her like this, Green's suspicions were almost confirmed. He took a deep breath, squeezed through the door, and gently closed it behind him.

Emily took a step back, leaning against the dressing table, and looked at him warily. "W-what do you want?"

"Listen, Emily, no matter what has happened, it's not too late to stop now. Some mistakes, once made, can never be undone; they will destroy you and this family."

Emily's heart pounded.

"I...I didn't..."

Green frowned. His usual composure was suddenly replaced by a surge of rage, anger, and confusion. He paced back and forth in the room, then abruptly stepped forward, closing the distance between himself and Emily, and said in a low voice:

"Emily, even though we've had our disagreements, we're still family. You need to know that, so you can't hide it anymore. I can... go to the hospital with you."

"Find a reliable doctor, use a fake name. This matter must be dealt with as soon as possible, absolutely no delays, and absolutely no... letting anyone know, especially your uncle and aunt. Do you understand?! If you don't want to get beaten to death..."

Green didn't finish his sentence, but Emily could easily imagine her father's fury.

But... a hospital? A doctor? What is he saying?

Emily was completely stunned and somewhat bewildered. "The hospital? What...why go to the hospital?"

Seeing her still feigning ignorance, Green was both anxious and angry. "What else can you do! Get rid of it! Do you want to keep it? Emily, wake up! This isn't a small matter; this is a scandal that will ruin your life and bring shame to your entire family! That pharmacist... he can't take responsibility, and he won't! You've been fooled by him!"

Pharmacist? Scandal? Shame?

Emily's mind finally clicked. Green thought she was pregnant?! And with that pharmacist?!

In an instant, a tremendous sense of absurdity, anger, and the tension, fear, and excitement of the past two days erupted like a volcano.

"you--!"

She jerked her head up, eyes wide, cheeks flushed crimson with extreme shame and indignation. "Glen Morris! You filthy baboon with a head full of filthy thoughts!"