Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 1111

$30,000 in cash rested snugly in Peyton's hand, and she couldn't help but beam with satisfaction. Her eyes sparkled with joy.

"The Odeberg family owns several properties around town, all legit. Once we get the little one to stop fussing, we'll head out with them to town. You'll see, it'll be a fresh start for you," she said, her voice full of hope.

Emma glanced at the $30,000, her mind drifting to a photo she had seen on another woman's phone. Maybe Dustin spent more than $30,000 on a single meal. The gap between them felt insurmountable.

She let out a wry laugh that quickly turned into sobs. Peyton, misreading her tears as grief over the lost child, gently patted her back.

"Hey, no more tears. We can't let this get out, especially not to the Odebergs. That man has a small heart, and if he finds out about the baby, who knows how he'd humiliate you. It's just us women against the world, and we've had our fair share of sneers over the years. Moving to town will be good for us. Don't worry, you'll have children eventually. You're still young," Peyton reassured her.

Emma stayed silent, clearly seeing her mother's genuine happiness. $30,000 was a fortune for them, plus the additional $20,000 left by Patrick. It was the first time they had seen so much money.

And the prospect of moving to town was a dream come true for her mother, who had always longed for a house there. In their village, owning a house in town was a matter of pride.

No sooner had Emma returned to the village than the matchmaker, eager as ever, came knocking. Emma wasn't in the mood for conversation, fearing that staying in the car any longer might make her nauseous in front of her mother, which would give away the secret of her not having aborted the child. She retreated to the inner room to rest.

Outside, the matchmaker handed Peyton a mysterious bottle.

"The Odebergs insist on this. Your Emma is quite the tomboy around these parts, and they worry she won't comply. So, sweeten her up and slip this into her drink. You know how it is with women, once they're comfortable, they're more compliant. This way, Emma will see the Odeberg man as her husband. Don't worry, it's harmless. The Odebergs got it from the city," the matchmaker explained.

Peyton hesitated, but the matchmaker reassured her with a pat on the shoulder.

"Mrs. Moll, ever since your husband passed, you and your daughter have barely scraped by. Now, there's a chance for a better life, and you're hesitating? They've already paid the dowry, and there's a house in town waiting for you. No girl in the village gets such an offer. Take the medicine and make sure she takes it tonight. Otherwise, the Odebergs might call off the arrangement. Think about that house in town. Wasn't that what you and your husband dreamed of?" the matchmaker reminded her.

This struck a chord with Peyton, her face a mask of sorrow. The matchmaker's words were a sharp reminder.