Chapter 121: The Sisters Face Calvin

The morning sun had just begun to spill into the yard when Elena Ward led her sister Rose toward Calvin Ward's house in a hurry. Elena clutched a package of sponge cakes so tightly her knuckles turned white.

"Don't worry, sis," Elena whispered, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

The moment they stepped into the courtyard, they found Aunt Vera feeding chickens with her hands on her hips. Spotting them, she immediately sneered, "Well, well, if it isn't the divorced daughter of the Ward family! Got the nerve to show your face here, huh?"

Rose stiffened. The news of her divorce had spread like wildfire after the village meeting two days ago. Calvin and his wife had been furious—they'd planned to seize Elena's house once Elena left for school. But now, with Rose returning with three children, their scheme had fallen apart.

"Auntie, we're here to see Grandma," Elena said brightly, stepping in front of Elena.

Vera blocked their path with her foot and jerked her chin toward the backyard. "The old lady moved to your place—said it was too noisy here." She reached for the cakes. "Just hand those over. Her teeth are bad—needs them soaked before she can eat."

Elena swiftly tucked the package behind her back. "No need. We'll take care of Grandma ourselves."

A roar came from inside the house. "Rose! Stop right there!"

Elena froze, and Elena immediately linked arms with her.

"Elena, go check on Grandma first," Calvin barked as he stormed out, clearly trying to get rid of her.

"Uncle, is there something you can't say in front of me?" Elena smiled innocently. "Or are you scheming against us again?"

Calvin's mustache quivered with rage. "Elena! Where's your respect for your elders?"

"Elders?" Elena scoffed. "My parents taught me not to be polite to relatives who only think about swindling family!"

Elena tightened her grip on Elena's hand. "Uncle, just say what you want."

Calvin shot Elena a glare before turning to Rose. "What kind of woman gets divorced? Take those kids back to your husband and apologize! The Ward family can't afford this shame!"

Rose paled. If she could go back, would she have fled covered in bruises?

"Uncle!" Elena shielded her sister. "She barely escaped with her life after what that Jackson family did to her! Instead of caring for your niece, you're siding with outsiders?"

"You—!" Calvin jabbed a finger at Elena. "Fine! Since you won't listen, don't come begging later!"

"Great!" Elena's eyes flashed. "Then return our two acres of land!"

Vera jumped in. "Dream on! That land was transferred to Grandma's name ages ago! It's all legal and signed!"

Elena's heart sank. Just as she'd suspected—Grandma had already swindled the land away. Without it, Rose wouldn't survive in the village.

"Come on, sis. Let's see Grandma first." She tugged Elena toward the backyard, her mind already racing. Did Calvin really think he could drive them out? Not a chance.

As they reached the backyard, a loud crash came from inside. The sisters exchanged a glance and rushed in—only to find Agnes Ward trying to climb off the bed, her face suspiciously flushed for someone supposedly ill.

"Grandma, what are you—?" Elena narrowed her eyes.

The old woman looked up sharply, her cloudy eyes flickering with panic...