Chapter 456: Adrian Stone's Elder Brother

"Dr. Ward! I've heard so much about you!" Adrian Stone's elder brother, Marcus Stone, grabbed Elena Ward's hand and shook it enthusiastically. "My little brother is truly blessed to marry such an extraordinary woman. Don't worry—if he ever dares to mistreat you, I'll be the first to set him straight!"

Elena was momentarily stunned by the sudden warmth and instinctively hid slightly behind Adrian.

"You're too kind," she murmured, her fingers discreetly tugging at Adrian's sleeve.

Adrian chuckled and gently pulled Elena forward. "Brother, look what you've done—you've frightened our dear doctor."

"Oh, my apologies! I just got carried away," Marcus Stone said, rubbing his hands together, his eyes gleaming. "Come on, the car's right ahead. Let's head home! Father has been talking about you two all morning—insisted I come fetch you personally."

Hanging back a step, Elena tugged at Adrian's sleeve. "What's up with your brother? He's... overwhelming."

Adrian leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "Can you blame him? My wife is exceptional. When I told him about our battlefield wedding, he was so moved he called you a heroine—wants to adopt you as his little sister."

"Stop it!" Elena's cheeks flushed as she pinched him, only to wince when her fingers met his firm muscles.

Seizing the opportunity, Adrian caught her hand and lightly traced circles on her palm. "Pinch me all you want when we get home—anywhere you like."

"You're shameless!" Elena glared at him, but the tenderness in his gaze made her heart skip.

"What's taking you two so long?" Marcus Stone called from the car, waving them over. "Hurry up—Father's waiting!"

Watching the couple's playful banter, Marcus Stone couldn't help but smile. When Adrian had first told him about their impromptu wedding on the frontlines, he'd nearly teared up—a rare moment for a hardened man like him. Vows exchanged amid gunfire were more precious than any grand romantic gesture.

A woman like Elena was truly worthy of his finest brother.

Adrian carefully opened the car door for Elena before loading their luggage into the trunk. Through the rearview mirror, Marcus Stone watched his brother's protective gestures, his lips curling upward.

"Seatbelt," Adrian murmured, leaning over to adjust Elena's strap—and stealing a quick kiss on her cheek.

Elena shoved him away, flustered. "Your brother's watching!"

"So what? I'm kissing my own wife," Adrian retorted, utterly unrepentant.

Marcus Stone coughed pointedly. "Keep it decent, you two!" But his eyes sparkled with amusement.

As the car pulled away, Marcus Stone studied the pair in the rearview mirror—one tall and handsome, the other elegant and refined. A perfect match in every way.

"How's everyone at home?" Adrian asked.

Marcus Stone's expression flickered briefly. "Everything's fine... You'll see when we get there."