Eleven Years All to the Wrong Man novel Chapter 182

Emma took the bowl of sweet porridge Mr. Hayes had just served her, sat down at the table, and began to eat in small spoonfuls.

Mrs. Hayes placed the other bowls on the table, glanced at her daughter, then looked toward the staircase leading to the second floor.

After a moment's hesitation, she said to Eric, who was just coming out of the bathroom, "Go on, call Evan down for breakfast."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Emma, who was focused on her food, muttered, "Don't worry about him. We can just eat."

Mrs. Hayes frowned, displeased with her daughter's comment. No matter what, Evan was a guest. They couldn't just ignore him.

"Don't listen to your sister. Go!"

Mrs. Hayes ignored Emma and sent her son upstairs to get Evan.

"Okay!"

Eric dutifully trotted back up to the second floor. Once he was gone, Mrs. Hayes stared at her daughter for a while, growing more certain that something was wrong between the couple.

They didn't act like a loving husband and wife at all. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them strangers.

Despite her thoughts, Mrs. Hayes said nothing. Pretending she knew nothing, she joined Mr. Hayes back in the kitchen.

Evan had actually been awake for a while. He’d gotten up shortly after Emma left the room. He was about to go downstairs when he remembered he'd left his phone charging all night.

He unplugged it and habitually opened his phone to check his work group chats, only to notice several red notifications on the phone icon.

He tapped it open and saw three missed calls from Melissa, as well as a call log showing an eleven-second conversation.

Evan frowned. He had no memory of talking to Melissa last night.

He followed Eric downstairs. The moment Mr. and Mrs. Hayes saw his attire, they both paused what they were doing. A second later, they resumed their normal demeanor and greeted him. "You're up, Evan?"

"Yes. Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes."

Evan walked over and sat down beside Emma, feeling slightly awkward. She kept her head down the entire time, alternating between sipping her porridge and scrolling through her phone, showing no intention of even looking at him.

"Did you get a chance to wash up?" Mr. Hayes asked.

"Yes, I got ready upstairs."

Mrs. Hayes handed him a bowl of porridge she had set aside. "Then have some breakfast. Don't you two have to go into the city later?"

A flash of confusion crossed Evan's eyes. Beside him, Emma finally looked up at her mother, a flicker of panic in her eyes. "Mom, what are you talking about?"