Chapter 287: Adrian Stone Pulled Elena Ward into Her Seat and Sat Close

Adrian Stone pulled Elena Ward into her seat and sat close beside her. Kevin Blackwell had already been dragged away by security—someone would make sure he got home "safely."

Jason Kingsley wiped blood from his hands, offering Elena an apologetic smile. "Dr. Ward, my deepest apologies for that unpleasant scene. I didn’t expect someone to have such a violent outburst. I hope you weren’t frightened."

"Mr. Kingsley, the trouble was mine to bear," Elena replied, a sharp glint in her eyes. "If Kevin Blackwell wants revenge, he can come at me directly."

She wasn’t bluffing. The timid young doctor she once was no longer existed. Kevin’s petty schemes meant nothing to her now.

This was 1986—a society governed by law. At worst, Kevin could only use his family’s influence to make her work life difficult. But she trusted Dean Thompson’s integrity. And besides...

Her gaze flickered toward Adrian. The prestige surrounding her fiancé shone brighter than ever.

A self-deprecating smile tugged at her lips. Since when did I become so calculating?

"You flatter me, Dr. Ward," Jason said solemnly. "The Kingsley family honors its promises. My grandfather declared you our benefactor. As long as it doesn’t violate morality, The Kingsleys will stand by you."

It was both a vow and an investment. They understood Elena’s value better than anyone.

"My woman doesn’t need your protection," Adrian declared, draping an arm over the back of Elena’s chair in a possessive gesture. "If that bastard shows his face again, I’ll make sure he regrets it."

Jason poured wine with a wry chuckle. "Relax, Adrian. Let me handle The Blackwells. I’ll speak to Mr. Blackwell—Kevin won’t bother Dr. Ward again." He smirked. "Look at you, guarding her like a prized possession. She’ll have her hands full once you’re married."

Only then did Elena realize how close the two men were.

Meanwhile, Elena’s sister, Rose Jackson, and her brother-in-law, Nolan Brooks, paled when they saw a bloodied man being escorted downstairs. A brawl on opening night? They rushed upstairs, only to find Elena seated calmly beside Adrian and exhaled in relief.

"Don’t worry, Major Stone is here," Rose Jackson told Nolan, pulling him back downstairs. "That guy probably had too much to drink and took a bad fall."

No sooner had they returned to the dining area than another group arrived—eight middle-aged men in official uniforms.

"Welcome!" Nolan greeted warmly. "All dishes are 10% off for our grand opening."

The lead official smiled. "You must be Dr. Ward’s brother-in-law?"

Nolan blinked. Another one here for Elena?

"Dr. Ward saved my life!" the man declared, thumping his chest. "Of course we’d support family!"

William Han chimed in, "Is Dr. Ward here? We need to thank her in person. I wouldn’t be alive if not for her."

Nolan suppressed a whistle. His sister-in-law’s connections were impressive.

"Don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything," the officials assured them. "Within reason and the law, of course."

Rose Jackson stood stunned. When did my little sister get to know so many important people?

The kitchen’s rich aromas wafted through the bustling dining area. Rose Jackson and Nolan exchanged glances, hope flickering in their eyes.

This business just might work.