Chapter 154: The Elderly Woman Kept Chattering with Daniel Ward and Elena Ward

The elderly woman kept chattering with Daniel Ward and Elena Ward, making Elena feel inexplicably irritated. She decided to head home alone.

As she entered the courtyard, she spotted Adrian Stone standing under the eaves, staring at her with such intensity he looked like a lovestruck fool.

Elena couldn't help giggling. She took the freshly laundered military uniform from the clothesline, gave it a gentle shake, and handed it to him. "I washed it for you. You smelled like alcohol at noon—didn't want you getting scolded when you returned."

Adrian accepted the garment, his fingertips brushing against the soft fabric. His chest warmed unexpectedly. So this sharp-tongued girl could be thoughtful too.

"Thanks," he said, his voice oddly tight.

"What's there to thank?" Elena waved dismissively. "After all you've done for me, washing clothes is nothing."

As Adrian slipped on the uniform, the faint scent of soap made him smile unconsciously. This simple fragrance surpassed any expensive cologne.

"Oh," Elena suddenly remembered, "my brother's taking me to school the day after tomorrow. No need for you to make a special trip." She pulled out paper and pen from her pocket. "Give me your military base address—I'll write to you when I arrive."

Adrian blinked in surprise. Since when had she become so forward?

"What? Can't tell me?" Elena tilted her head.

"No, it's just..." Adrian hurried to explain, "I'm being transferred soon. This address won't be valid for long."

Elena nodded and dashed inside, returning with a slip of paper. "Here's my school address."

Adrian's eyes lit up reading it. National Aeronautics College? This girl had enrolled in aviation studies!

"The training will be tough," he couldn't help warning. "You should prepare yourself."

Elena winked playfully. "Who knows? Maybe I'll be flying planes someday!" Imagining herself in a pilot's uniform, she suppressed a smile.

"I'll still come see you off," Adrian insisted.

Just then, Luke and Aaron Jackson returned carrying pig feed, immediately shouting, "Uncle Adrian!" upon spotting him.

Elena's face burned crimson. "You little—"

"I should go." Adrian gave the boys a meaningful look, and they promptly scampered to the backyard.

"Wait!" Elena suddenly dashed into the kitchen, emerging with a steaming lunchbox packed with dumplings. "For the road."

Adrian accepted the warm container, gazing at her intently. "I'll see you the day after tomorrow." With that, he strode away purposefully.

Elena touched her flaming cheeks, bewildered by her own reaction. What's happening to me?

That evening, Luke and Elena returned home, discussing their grandmother's strange behavior with disbelief. Elena began packing her luggage under her sister's supervision, soon accumulating numerous bags.

"Good thing your brother's accompanying you," Elena remarked while folding clothes. "You'd never manage all this alone."

Elena's heart swelled seeing the brand-new olive-green suitcase—her brother's gift to ensure she wouldn't face ridicule at school.

Late that night, lying in bed, Elena found Adrian's deep-set eyes haunting her thoughts. She rolled over, burying her face in the pillow.

How... utterly mortifying.