Chapter 243: Elena Ward Said with a Smile to Her Three Nephews

"Go ahead and take them out. They're all custom-made for you," Elena Ward said with a smile to her three nephews.

The boys immediately turned to their mother, Elena Ward's elder sister, for approval. In this household, their mother's word was law.

Rose nodded. "Since these are specially made to thank your aunt, you can accept them." Hearing the reason, she didn't refuse. Seeing her younger sister succeed filled her with pride.

As long as Elena was safe and happy, letting the children enjoy this moment was no trouble at all.

The three Jackson brothers—Luke, Aaron, and Samuel—cheered excitedly.

Elena's eyes crinkled with joy, her dimples peeking through. This was the warmth of family.

Watching the boys gasp with delight at each gift they unwrapped, Rose finally interjected, "What time do you think it is? Your aunt and uncle have been traveling all day—they need rest."

The boys obediently packed up their treasures and ushered their uncle Daniel Ward toward their shared room. Naturally, Daniel would be bunking with his nephews.

Rose swiftly prepared the bedding and blew out the oil lamp.

Elena slipped under the covers, the heat from the brick bed warming her from below. She stretched contentedly. Even the distant sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking outside felt comforting.

This was what coming home felt like.

———

Dawn had barely broken when the courtyard buzzed with voices.

"Keep it down—Elena's still asleep!"

"I told you to come later, but you wouldn't listen!"

"Mom, look at all these people waiting to see Elena!"

"Enough already—you talk too much."

Elena stretched lazily and dressed at a leisurely pace.

The moment movement was heard inside, the chatter outside grew louder.

After combing her hair and washing her face, Elena pulled a large bag of candies from her suitcase. Whenever she and her eldest brother returned from the city, they always brought back treats.

The moment she stepped into the courtyard, children swarmed around her. Laughing, Elena handed out candies to each of them. One bold child grabbed an extra handful, and when Elena didn't scold him, he grinned and scampered away.

The villagers were honest folk—no one took advantage of kindness.

Helen Reed and her daughter Emily immediately ushered Elena inside once she appeared. The other women, after accepting their candies and exchanging pleasantries, tactfully dispersed.

"Elena, tell me—why did you suddenly take that job? Such a shame!" Helen clasped her hands, concerned.

Elena handed Emily a digital watch and presented Helen with a box of red ginseng. "Mom, working at the hospital is just like being assigned a job after graduation. The director said they'll send me to medical college this summer—I'll still get my degree."

"Besides," she added playfully, "I'm too petite to fly planes. Being a doctor suits me better."

Helen still looked regretful. "But university—"

"Mom, as a doctor, I can heal people and carry on my parents' acupuncture legacy," Elena reassured her gently.

Helen gasped at the red ginseng. "This must have cost a fortune! You shouldn't have—"

"If you don't take it, I'll be upset!" Elena pouted.

Emily had already fastened the watch around her wrist, admiring it. "Mom, these are so trendy—you can't even find them in town!"

"Twenty-something dollars?" Helen exclaimed. "We can't accept this!"

Elena linked arms with her. "Mom, this is my gift to you. If you refuse, you're saying I'm not your daughter."

Helen chuckled. "Oh, you and your silver tongue... Fine, I'll take it this time. But no more splurging!"

"Yes, Mom!" Elena leaned affectionately against her shoulder.

Emily leaned in, lowering her voice. "Harold Martin got five years in prison—serves him right!"

Elena raised an eyebrow. "Didn't Dad deal with the Martins?"

Emily smirked. "Dad reclaimed their land and cut off their relief funds. When Harold's mom came to make a scene, Uncle Joe took their pig."

"The whole village got pork—except them," Emily added with a wink. "Dad made it clear: no more nonsense will be tolerated."

Elena smiled knowingly. Martin Reed was clearly drawing out the Martins' punishment.

"And their second son wanted that factory job in town? Dad refused to stamp his paperwork." Emily scoffed. "With a rapist for a brother? Dream on."

Elena could almost picture old Mrs. Martin wallowing in regret now. If only she'd let her son marry Emily properly back then.