Chapter 221: Adrian Stone Held Elena Ward's Hand Tightly

"Get out, I'm taking you for a proper meal. You barely touched your food earlier."

Adrian Stone held Elena Ward's hand tightly, his anxious heart finally settling as he took in her slightly flushed cheeks. God knew how terrified he'd been when he heard that Agnes Ward had come looking for her—he'd been afraid she might disappear in a fit of anger.

Elena shook their intertwined hands playfully. "How am I supposed to get out like this?"

Reluctantly, Adrian let go and pointed ahead. "It's right across from the hospital, that little food street."

Elena followed his gaze and frowned. She'd been there a few times—there was nothing worth eating. She should've just made noodles at home instead of going hungry like this.

Adrian led her forward, inwardly disappointed. Between the cafeteria and military duties, he rarely got time alone with her, and now even these stolen moments were slipping away.

"Wait!" Elena suddenly tugged his sleeve, checking her watch. "It's almost time for my shift. No time to eat now."

Adrian smacked his forehead in frustration. "Hold on!" Before she could respond, he was already sprinting away.

Less than five minutes later, he returned, panting, and shoved a greasy paper bag into her hands. "Take this to the office. Don't skip meals."

Elena accepted the still-warm steamed buns and waved. "Gotta go! I'm late!" She dashed toward the hospital without looking back.

Adrian watched until she disappeared, then turned—only to find Agnes and Valerie Mercer standing by his car. Valerie Mercer's eyes were red-rimmed, as if she'd been crying buckets.

The moment he saw Agnes, Adrian's expression turned icy. He remembered all too clearly what had happened to his older brother—kidnapped by traffickers, all because Agnes had taken him to the department store and vanished under the pretense of using the restroom. No matter how much she denied it later, his brother never lied.

All these years, Agnes had played the dutiful stepmother, fooling everyone except him and his brother. They knew better—she was anything but harmless.

"Adrian, we need to talk," Agnes said, stepping forward.

Adrian yanked the car door open. "My business isn't yours to meddle in."

Agnes slammed a hand on the door. "Your father sent me. He doesn't approve of you and that little nurse!"

"My father?" Adrian scoffed. "He's never cared about status. But you—you've been pushing Valerie Mercer at me from the start. What's your game?"

"You're up for promotion next year—a twenty-seven-year-old officer with a bright future!" Agnes pressed, feigning concern. "Valerie Mercer comes from a good family. She could help your career—"

"Enough!" Adrian cut her off sharply. "I'll say this one last time—I'm marrying Elena. As for the marriage application—" His gaze turned razor-sharp. "If my father won't approve it, I'll file for discharge instead!"

The car door slammed shut, and the SUV roared to life, kicking up dust as it sped away.

Agnes stood frozen, her face unreadable. Valerie Mercer timidly tugged her sleeve. "Auntie… what now?"

"Patience," Agnes murmured, eyes narrowing. "As long as the old man doesn't budge, this wedding won't happen."