Chapter 130: A Frantic Voice Shouted from Beyond the Courtyard Wall

"Elena! Come quick—there's a phone call for you at the village office!" A frantic voice shouted from beyond the courtyard wall.

Elena Ward was crouched in the yard, washing vegetables. She shook the water from her hands and hurried toward the gate. Just yesterday, she and Rose had gone to the market to buy cotton and fabric. Today, they had invited Helen Reed and a few other skilled seamstresses from the village to help make quilts. August was approaching, and in just over a week, Elena would leave for university. She needed to prepare her belongings in advance.

"Coming!" Elena broke into a jog toward the village office.

When she pushed open the door, Mayor Martin Reed and Security Chief Mercer Jackson were huddled together, deep in discussion. The telephone receiver lay crooked on the desk, the line already connected.

"Dad," Elena greeted softly.

Just days ago, Mayor Reed and his wife had hosted a formal ceremony to officially recognize Elena as their goddaughter, with several respected elders from the village as witnesses.

Mayor Reed glanced up and nodded. "It's your brother."

Elena's heart skipped. Her fingers trembled slightly as she picked up the receiver. This was the first time in two lifetimes she had spoken to her brother on the phone. In her past life, Daniel had died a brutal death at the hands of drug traffickers—all because of her. This time, she had sworn to protect him at all costs.

"Daniel..." Her voice cracked.

"Elena!" Daniel's cheerful voice rang through the line. "I just got Uncle Calvin's telegram saying Grandma needs five hundred dollars for the hospital. I'm borrowing from my comrades now—I'll send the money as soon as I get my allowance—"

Elena gritted her teeth. That scheming Calvin Ward—how dare he swindle money from her brother!

"Daniel, didn't I send you a telegram?" She remembered clearly—just days ago, she and Rose had gone to town to send it, precisely to prevent him from being deceived.

"I got it, I got it. You said not to send money since you got into university. But this time, Grandma is sick—"

"Grandma was discharged ages ago!" Elena cut him off. "Return every penny you borrowed. The money you've sent home over the years is more than enough for her medical bills."

Silence stretched on the other end.

"Elena… you got into university?" Daniel suddenly exclaimed. "Once you're settled at school, write to me. I'll send you living expenses every month—"

Elena's nose stung. This was her brother—always putting her first.

"Don't send money!" she said quickly. "The university provides financial aid, and the villagers already pooled travel expenses for me. Keep your money—save it for when you get married."

"Hah, you little—" Daniel chuckled. "Fine, I'll listen to you. I'll take leave during the New Year to visit."

After hanging up, Daniel frowned. Something about Elena's tone felt off—like she was holding back some grievance. He decided to request leave early and go home to check on her.

"Captain!" He strode toward the office. "I need to request leave—"

Meanwhile, Elena had no idea her brother was already planning a surprise for her.

Just as she set the receiver down, the village office door burst open.

"Mayor! Trouble!" A villager rushed in, panting. "There's a fight!"

Mayor Reed shot to his feet. "Who's fighting who?"