Chapter 285: Julian Kingsley Lifted His Teacup

"Dr. Ward, you're too kind." Julian Kingsley lifted his teacup, his slender fingers tracing the rim. "You saved my grandfather last time. The Kingsley family won’t forget this debt. Having my assistant keep an eye on your affairs was simply to ensure you don’t run into trouble."

His gaze was gentle, yet laced with unyielding authority.

Elena took a sip of tea, the delicate flavor lingering on her tongue. She met his eyes, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Mr. Kingsley, saving lives is a doctor’s duty. Your concern only makes me feel burdened."

"Hah, acting all noble now?" A derisive chuckle cut through the air.

Elena finally noticed the man seated beside Julian Kingsley. The moment she recognized his face, her fingers twitched, nearly spilling the tea.

Fate truly has a cruel sense of humor.

It was Kyle Blackwell—Katherine Blackwell’s older brother. The same man who had helped his sister orchestrate her death in her past life.

"Whether I deserve it or not isn’t for you to decide," Elena set her cup down with a sharp clink.

Julian Kingsley frowned. The Elena he knew was always composed—this was the first time he’d seen her so openly confrontational.

Kyle Blackwell slammed his hands on the table and shot to his feet. "Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you speak to me like that!" He jabbed a finger at her face. "I could ruin your career in the medical field with one word!"

The restaurant fell silent. Every eye was fixed on the unfolding drama.

Elena calmly wiped her hands, a cold smirk playing on her lips. "The Blackwell family sure loves throwing their weight around. What’s next? Following your sister’s example and stealing someone else’s fiancé?"

Kyle Blackwell’s face darkened instantly.

"You’re dead!" He raised a fist, ready to strike.

"Enough!" Julian Kingsley’s voice cracked like a whip as he seized Kyle Blackwell’s wrist. "She’s my guest."

Kyle Blackwell struggled, but Julian Kingsley’s grip was unbreakable. His face flushed red. "Julian-ge, this woman—"

"Apologize," Julian Kingsley said coldly. "Or don’t bother showing your face around me again."

A young man nearby quickly intervened. "Dr. Ward, Kaijie’s just hot-headed. Please don’t take it to heart."

Elena watched Kyle Blackwell’s stifled rage with satisfaction. He hadn’t looked nearly this miserable when he’d helped Katherine Blackwell destroy her in her past life.

"Why should I forgive him?" she asked leisurely. "Because he’s a Kyle?"

Kyle Blackwell trembled with fury. "You’re pushing your luck!"

"Kyle Blackwell!" Julian Kingsley’s voice turned icy. "Get out."

The words hit like a bucket of cold water. Kyle Blackwell stared at him in disbelief. "For her?"

Julian Kingsley was already dialing his phone. "Security. There’s a disturbance on the third floor."

Kyle Blackwell’s face cycled through shades of red and white before he finally shot Elena a venomous glare. "This isn’t over!" He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

The restaurant remained deathly quiet. Everyone stared at the woman who’d just made Julian Kingsley turn against his own associate.

Elena, however, acted as if nothing had happened. She picked up her teacup again. Though the tea had gone cold, she’d never felt more satisfied.

The debts from my past life will be repaid—one by one.

And today was only the beginning.