Chapter 242: After Seeing Off Wendy

After seeing off Wendy, Elena Ward slammed the courtyard gate shut with a loud thud.

The aroma of cooking wafted from the kitchen, where Rose was busy at the stove. The dough had been kneaded smooth and elastic, while the savory broth bubbled merrily in the pot. As the water boiled, she deftly dropped in the noodles and gave them a quick stir.

"Come inside and warm up!" Rose called out to the yard.

Elena and Daniel had already shed their coats and settled cross-legged on the heated brick bed, its warmth seeping from their toes to the tops of their heads.

Luke Jackson brought over the low table while Aaron carried in the pot of broth. Moments later, Rose entered with two steaming bowls of noodles.

"Eat while it's hot!" she beamed, her eyes crinkling with joy.

Samuel, perched on the edge of the bed, suddenly slid off with a grin. He returned shortly, clutching a bottle of chili oil in one hand and vinegar in the other.

"Auntie, Uncle, these will make it even tastier!"

Daniel laughed heartily. "Good lad, you've got sharp eyes!"

Blushing, Samuel scrambled back onto the bed and squeezed in beside Daniel.

As Rose untied her apron, her gaze fell on the five large boxes on the floor, and she frowned. "Did you two clear out the department store? How much did this cost?"

Elena simply smiled without answering, while Daniel quickly distanced himself. "Sis, Elena bought everything. I just carried the boxes!" He buried his face in his noodles, pretending not to notice his sister's glare.

Rose grew even more anxious. "Elena! I told you not to send money home anymore!" She began counting on her fingers. "We raise chickens for eggs, pigs for meat—we're doing fine. You need every penny in the city for your dowry!"

Elena pointed to the numbered boxes. "Daniel, bring over Box One."

Luke glanced at his mother. Rose sighed in resignation. "Go ahead. It's not like we can return them now."

The three brothers hauled the box over and gasped when they opened it.

"Mom! Look!" Luke held up a radio, his hands trembling.

Aaron brandished a digital watch, while Samuel clutched a new backpack and fountain pen. Their eyes sparkled like stars.

Rose inhaled sharply. "How much did this cost?" Rose pulled Elena close. "Tell me the truth—did Adrian give you these?"

Elena shook her head.

"Don't lie to me!" Rose smacked the bed in frustration. "Accepting such expensive gifts before marriage? How will you hold your head up in your in-laws' home? We may be poor, but we—"

Before she could finish, Elena threw herself into Rose's arms. "You're the best, Sis!"

"None of that!" Rose pushed her away, cheeks flushed. "These must be returned!"

Reluctantly, the brothers placed the items back in the box.

Elena hurried to explain. "They were gifts from the family I treated. The head of the household, I mean. Daniel can vouch for me!"

Daniel nodded vigorously. "She did treat someone, but I didn't know about the gifts."

Only then did Rose relax slightly. "That family... didn't notice anything, did she?" she whispered, her eyes filled with worry.

Elena squeezed Rose's hand. "Don't worry. Everything's fine."