Chapter 328: Elena Ward Gazed Out the Window at the Bustling Crowd

Elena Ward gazed out the window at the bustling crowd, a faint smile playing on her lips. The Spiced Stew restaurant owned by her sister Rose and brother-in-law Nolan Brooks was thriving under her discreet guidance. At this rate, opening new branches was only a matter of time.

"Just a few more business strategies..." Elena tapped the table lightly, her eyes gleaming with shrewd calculation. She could already envision The Ward family's signboard spreading across the nation. In this era when the food industry was still in its infancy, seizing the opportunity meant controlling the market.

Her gaze drifted to William Cooper. The young man had surprised her. Trapped in that hellish illegal coal mine, he'd not only kept his cool but waited for the right moment to act. What was rarer—he understood gratitude.

"I plan to find work at a construction site first," William's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Just need food and lodging. The pay doesn't matter."

Henry Cooper hesitated, eyeing his younger brother's frail frame with concern. Construction work was brutal—but he knew William wouldn't listen to reason now.

"Let him hit the wall," Henry sighed inwardly. "He won't turn back until he's tried."

Elena arched an eyebrow. Setting down her teacup with a crisp clink, she brought silence to the room.

"William," she said, meeting his eyes directly, "in your current condition, you'd struggle to carry bricks. Even if you found work, you wouldn't last a week."

William pressed his lips stubbornly, though his eyes flickered. He knew Elena was right—yet giving up wasn't an option.

"I... I can take it slow," he muttered, his voice dropping.

Elena shook her head lightly, tracing circles on the table. "Rather than wasting time at construction sites, why not..."

She deliberately drew out the pause, watching William's shoulders tense as a knowing smile curved her lips.