Chapter 286: A Vicious Glint Flashed in Kyle Blackwell's Eyes

A vicious glint flashed in Kyle Blackwell's eyes as his fist shot toward Elena Ward's face with a whoosh of air. Having trained at a boxing club for three years, he knew this punch would leave the woman disfigured.

Elena stood motionless, a cold smirk curling her lips.

"Looking to die?" Julian Kingsley roared, leaping into action. He knew Kyle Blackwell's capabilities all too well—this strike was clearly meant to be lethal.

At the critical moment, a dark figure darted out from the stairwell like lightning. Adrian Stone executed a flawless flip, shielding Elena securely in his arms and taking the full force of the blow on his back.

A dull thud echoed as Kyle Blackwell's fist connected solidly with Adrian's spine. Simultaneously, Julian Kingsley's flying kick landed, sending Kyle Blackwell sprawling backward.

"Cough... cough..." Kyle Blackwell slammed into the wall, clutching his chest as he hacked violently.

Elena looked up into Adrian's worried gaze and murmured, "I'm fine." She discreetly loosened her grip on the silver needle hidden in her palm. What a pity—had Adrian not intervened, she could have ensured Kyle Blackwell would never be a man again.

In her past life, she had witnessed the girls Kyle Blackwell had ruined. This time, she wouldn't let history repeat itself.

"Step back," Adrian said, his voice low but his eyes icy.

Elena caught his wrist. "Don't—"

"Relax." He pried her fingers open one by one. "Dealing with him doesn't require breaking protocol."

Julian Kingsley had already rolled up his sleeves, revealing muscular forearms. "Leave this to me, Adrian. Dr. Ward is my family's benefactor. If anything happens to her under my watch, I owe an explanation."

Adrian lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. "Thirty seconds."

"Twenty." Julian Kingsley cracked his neck. "If you can still recognize him as human afterward, I lose."

Kyle Blackwell finally recognized who he was facing, his face turning ashen. Adrian was infamous in the military compound—the undisputed "king" of brawls since childhood, now an elite special forces soldier.

"Julian! For my sister's sake—" Kyle Blackwell's plea was cut short by Julian Kingsley's fist smashing into his face.

Adrian exhaled smoke lazily, counting down. "Ten, nine, eight..."

This was the first time Elena had seen Adrian like this—leaning against the wall, a hint of roguishness in the haze of smoke, a far cry from the stern officer she knew.

Noticing her gaze, Adrian turned his head. Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, warmth flickered in his gaze, as if to say: Don't be afraid. I'm here.

"Time's up." Julian Kingsley shook blood off his knuckles. "Kid's got tough bones."

Kyle Blackwell lay crumpled on the ground, his face swollen like a pig's, but only superficial wounds marked him. Julian Kingsley had held back—enough to teach a lesson without causing serious trouble.

Adrian loomed over Kyle Blackwell. "Remember this: Elena is my fiancée." He bent down, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Lay a finger on her again, and I'll have your entire family carrying you here to apologize."

Kyle Blackwell's pupils constricted. He finally understood why Julian Kingsley had stepped in—and that he'd kicked a steel plate.

"Let's go." Adrian took Elena's hand and strode away without a backward glance.

Kyle Blackwell glared at their retreating figures, resentment burning in his eyes. Elena Ward, was it? This debt, I'll remember.