Everyone knew the young master had forbidden the kitten from eating, but none dared say those words to Emma face to face. Besides, they'd all grown fond of Snowy these past few days. They figured the usually gentle, clever cat had just lost control for a moment. After all, no one else had been scratched by it. Maybe it just didn't like Amelia.
Even if the first lady acted clever in front of the master and young master, the servants knew she could be quite willful and overbearing when angry.
Emma carried the plate into Snowy's room. The cat was already getting hungry, sniffing around the floor, hoping to find something to eat. Emma's heart ached at the sight. She'd thought that when she put it on a diet, she'd at least let it eat less meat. She never imagined it would have nothing at all.
Seeing the fish innards on the plate, Snowy's sapphire blue eyes lit up. It darted forward and began to eat. When it finished drinking the water, Emma stroked its head and spoke softly.
"Snowy, this place isn't good for you. How about I find you a new home?"
The little creature enjoyed the warmth of Emma's hand. It didn't seem to understand her words, just squinted its eyes and meowed. Emma took that as agreement.
When she came downstairs, she found Amelia in the living room. Amelia's eyes flickered at the small plate in Emma's hand. She knew exactly what had happened.
"Sister-in-law, I was planning to bring food to Snowy later. I didn't expect you to beat me to it."
Amelia's face wore a smile that seemed free of resentment. But Emma's gaze lingered on that innocent smile. She sighed inwardly, then gave a soft "mm" and returned the plate to the kitchen. Back in the living room, she looked at Amelia, who was watching TV, and told her to rest well. Then she went upstairs.
She didn't know what cold stare followed her from behind, glaring fiercely at her back.
The next morning, everyone gathered at the dining table. Amelia seemed to mention it casually.
"I wanted to give Snowy something to eat last night, but my sister-in-law had already done it. It seems she really loves that pet. That cat is truly blessed."
After she spoke, Emma felt the air at the table turn much colder. The old man's face darkened. Liam looked at Emma with some displeasure.
"I said I'd teach it a lesson last night. Why can't you even let it go hungry for one day? Is it more important than Amelia?"
In front of the old man and Amelia, Emma couldn't argue.
"It's my fault. I shouldn't have been soft-hearted."
Liam was surprised by Emma's sudden admission of fault. With her stubborn nature, she rarely admitted mistakes. But it seemed natural enough. Still, it made him a little uncomfortable.
"Brother, why are you scolding your sister-in-law? Really, I wouldn't have said anything if I'd known this would happen."
After Emma admitted her mistake, Amelia put on a righteous air and defended her. Emma felt her heart grow cold, inch by inch. But she said nothing.
Just as she was about to leave for work with Liam, she took Snowy outside.
"What are you doing?"
Liam looked at her, puzzled.
"Nothing. I just think it'll keep causing trouble if it stays home. For Amelia's safety, I think it's better not to keep it here."
Though Emma said this, she was completely worried about Snowy. But Liam thought she just wanted to take it to the office during the day and bring it back at night. He also worried that if the little thing hurt Amelia again, they'd have to deal with it then. So he let it go.
At the company, Snowy received a warm welcome from the secretarial department. Surrounded by beauties, the cat was dizzy with delight, unable to find its way north. It made Emma a little sad.
But this only lasted one morning. At noon, Emma brought Liam a lunch from the company cafeteria, but she didn't have one for herself.
Before Liam could ask why she hadn't brought her own meal, Emma told him she was going home at noon.
"What are you going back to Sunrise Manor for?"
Liam asked.
"I mean my own home."
Emma looked at him without expression and replied lightly. Liam paused for a moment, then understood she meant her parents' house.
At that moment, he realized why Emma had insisted on taking Snowy out in the morning.
"Do you want to send Snowy back to your mother's house? Why? Can't you take better care of it at Sunrise Manor? Besides, are you really willing?"
Liam was still puzzled.
"I'm just afraid it'll cause more trouble. I think it's better to take it home." That was Emma's explanation to Liam, but he felt he could hear a complaint in her voice.
"Emma, can you be reasonable? This is your pet, after all. Isn't it wrong that Amelia was willing to be scratched by it?"
Liam's handsome face darkened slightly.
"I'm not being unreasonable. I said I just want to prevent Amelia from getting hurt again."
The woman's face was resolute. Liam felt his head ache again. He really didn't understand why Emma had to be so serious about this. He was unhappy. After all, Amelia was his sister. He hoped Emma could treat her like one. Sure, Amelia used to be willful and spoiled, but she'd learned her lesson. She'd lost so much weight since coming back. Couldn't Emma love her?
But a kitten—she valued it more than Amelia. This made Liam feel cold.
This woman was still too careless.
"Do whatever you want."
That was Liam's answer. Emma looked at his face and knew he must be unhappy. In truth, from another perspective, she wouldn't feel happy about this either. But she didn't explain to Liam. The evidence was already gone. Compared to animals, people were clearly more important. She couldn't refute anything. She just silently picked up Snowy and left the office.
"Sister Wei, where are you going with Snowy?"
Emilia Clark came back from the cafeteria after eating and saw Snowy in Emma's arms. She couldn't help but tease, while asking curiously.