Chapter 77: Elena Ward Reassured Softly

"As long as you follow the prescribed regimen, there won’t be any serious issues," Elena Ward reassured softly. She noticed the skepticism in Richard Adams' eyes—he probably suspected she was withholding the prescription to manipulate the Turner family.

But she had no such intentions. Helping the Turners was simply about securing a safety net for her sister and brother-in-law. Her sister’s temporary job depended entirely on Factory Manager Victor Green’s whims, and her brother-in-law’s work was unstable. With three children to feed and educate, she knew exactly how hard life was for them. If she could ease their burden, she would.

In her past life, her sister’s family had bankrupted themselves for her sake, and her brother-in-law had never once complained. That kind of devotion wasn’t something she could ever forget. This time around, she would protect them.

"Are you sure he’s really fine?" Helen Turner still seemed uneasy.

Nathaniel Stone studied Elena with open curiosity. "You’re the one who saved me? I didn’t expect someone so young. Who taught you medicine?"

Elena had prepared for this. "My parents were rural physicians—they knew herbal remedies and acupuncture. The technique I used is a family secret, but it’s harsh. It drains the user’s vitality with each use, so I avoid it unless absolutely necessary. Today, I only did it because my uncle insisted..." She deliberately glanced at David Moore.

David flushed with guilt. They’d acted out of selfishness, nearly harming this girl, yet now the credit was being handed to him.

"It was also General Turner’s good fortune that Elena happened to be visiting her sister," David quickly interjected.

Helen and General Charles Turner exchanged a look, understanding Elena’s unspoken message—she didn’t want this getting out. And why would she? Such a taxing technique would only harm her with repeated use.

The meal passed pleasantly. Afterward, Elena politely declined Factory Manager Green’s invitation to stay and excused herself with David. Adrian Stone offered to walk her home.

On the way, Elena turned to him sincerely. "Thank you for today."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "For what? I’m your fiancé—protecting you is expected. Besides, was saving a life wrong? The village security chief couldn’t stop praising your skills when he saw me. Said I’d found a treasure."

Elena burst into laughter, her dimples flashing under the sunlight, bright and dazzling.

Adrian stared, momentarily stunned. It was the first time he’d seen her laugh so freely—like warm spring sunshine. Silently, he vowed to keep that smile on her face forever.

"You’re exaggerating," Elena said, still smiling. "If I ever did something bad, Instructor Stone would be the first to arrest me."

"You?" Adrian actually smirked. "You wouldn’t even fight back when bullied. What trouble could you possibly cause?"

Elena glared. "Instructor Stone, don’t hit where it hurts!"

"My mistake," Adrian said solemnly. "Even if it’s true, I shouldn’t have said it."

Elena laughed despite herself. "What are you even doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be on training exercises?"