Chapter 147: Rose Jackson Emerged from the Kitchen Carrying a Steaming Bowl

Rose Jackson emerged from the kitchen carrying a steaming bowl of noodle soup, four golden fried eggs floating on the surface. She pressed the chopsticks into Daniel Ward's hand, her voice gentle. "Eat up. Fill your stomach first."

Daniel accepted the bowl, his eyes burning. He knew all too well that since Rose's divorce, the Jackson family must have cut off her food supply. This wheat flour was likely saved for the New Year, yet she was using it to treat him. His sister was treating him like an honored guest.

He said nothing, lowering his head to devour the meal. Between family, formalities were unnecessary. In no time, half the bowl was empty.

"Enough? I kneaded more dough. There's plenty," Rose asked with concern.

Daniel shook his head, standing to ladle two scoops of broth from the kitchen. "I'm full, sis. Just some soup will do." He drained it in one gulp before finally asking about Rose's situation.

When he heard that Darren Lewis had tried to kill his own son and slandered Rose's reputation, Daniel's fists clenched until his knuckles cracked. He itched to storm over there immediately.

"Sis, I'll send money every month from now on. The village doesn’t require ration coupons for grain—we’ll manage." He paused. "Elena’s right. There are plenty of people doing business in the city now. Since you don’t have land here, why not set up a stall there?"

Rose gathered the dishes. "I know, Daniel. Once I sell this batch of pigs, I’ll make plans."

"Where were you two headed earlier?"

"Vanessa’s getting married today at Uncle Calvin’s place. We were going to help," Rose replied.

Daniel turned to Elena. "You were vague on the phone last time. Did Uncle Calvin and Grandma Agnes mistreat you?"

Elena poured out four years of grievances.

Bang! Daniel kicked a stool across the room. "Calvin Ward, that bastard!" He stormed out, Elena unable to hold him back.

The Ward residence was decked in red, a large pot simmering in the courtyard, the rich aroma of braised meat filling the air. When Calvin saw Daniel barging in, his heart dropped. Why had this troublemaker returned?

"Daniel, perfect timing—" He forced a smile and stepped forward.

Daniel marched straight toward Agnes. "You tried to sell my sister?" Agnes staggered back in fear.

Calvin lunged forward. "Daniel, you—" Before he could finish, Daniel kicked him flying.

"What kind of elder sells his own niece?!" Daniel grabbed the fire poker and, with a sharp twist, snapped the iron rod in two.

Calvin swallowed his words. The poker bent like dough in Daniel’s hands, twisting into a knot.

"From today on, our families are done!" Daniel hurled the mangled iron to the ground. "If any of you dare mess with my sister again, I’ll beat you to a pulp!"

The crowd gasped at the deformed metal. This wasn’t a man—it was a raging tiger!

Calvin’s face turned ashen. If he’d known this would happen, why had he ever crossed them?