Chapter 27: Elena Ward Insisted on Keeping Mayor Martin Reed and Helen Reed's

Elena Ward insisted on keeping Mayor Martin Reed and Helen Reed's families for dinner. With the ingredients they'd brought, she swiftly prepared a lavish spread.

"Auntie, may I borrow your table?" Elena efficiently borrowed a small round table from the neighbor, along with a few stools. The dishes and utensils were also gathered from nearby households.

Two tables were set up beneath the jujube tree. Martin and Helen Reed gaped at the feast before them.

"This girl can really cook?" they exchanged glances, silently impressed by how well Calvin Ward had raised his daughter.

Paul Mercer stared at the braised pork, swallowing hard. "Uncle, let me fetch you some liquor!"

Martin smacked the back of his head. "More like you want a drink, eh?"

Agnes chuckled and pulled out two dollars. "Go buy two jugs of rice wine and two bottles of liquor. Don’t waste Elena’s hard work."

Paul snatched the money and dashed off.

The kitchen wafted with mouthwatering aromas. Agnes stood at the doorway, rubbing her hands. "Elena, don’t overdo it. These were meant for you, not us!"

Elena emerged with a large bowl, flour dusting her cheeks. "Auntie, there’s another bowl inside. Bring it out—one for each table, fair and square!"

"My, your skills outshine even the village chefs!" Agnes praised.

Elena smiled faintly. "Keep flattering me, and I’ll get a big head."

Just then, Paul came rushing back—with two others in tow.

"Captain Stone!" Martin stood quickly. "Perfect timing for the housewarming! Have a seat!"

Adrian Stone handed Elena rice wine, canned goods, and powdered milk. "A small token."

She accepted graciously. "Then I won’t stand on ceremony." She carried the gifts inside.

Agnes hurried to set extra plates while Martin poured Adrian a drink.

"Regulations forbid alcohol," Adrian declined politely.

Martin laughed. "Rice wine doesn’t count! Just a sip."

Seeing Adrian’s resolve, Martin didn’t press further.

When Elena returned, she found Adrian seated beside her. She sat down without a word.

Adrian tried a slice of boiled pork and brightened. This was better than the army mess hall’s cooking!

Elena raised her rice wine and stood. "Thank you all for celebrating my new home. Bottoms up!" She downed it in one go.

"Bravo!" Martin slammed the table. "If a lady can finish hers, we men can’t back down!" He chugged a full bowl of liquor.

"Elena, I owe you an apology." Martin’s face flushed. "From now on, if you need anything, come to me. I won’t let that grandmother of yours bully you again!"

It was the first time the mayor had taken her side so openly. Elena thanked him with a smile.

As the feast wore on, every dish was devoured—not a drop of broth remained.

Agnes clung to Elena’s hand. "Come to us anytime you need help!"

Between bites, Adrian stole glances at Elena. Despite the praise, her expression never wavered.

Once everyone had eaten their fill, Martin and the others were too drunk to walk straight. Adrian and his student helped carry them home.

As Elena cleared the dishes, a pair of strong hands suddenly reached for the stack.

"Captain Stone, you don’t have to—" she protested.

He stacked the plates efficiently. "Many hands make light work." His student quietly joined in.

Under the setting sun, their three shadows stretched long across the yard.