Chapter 268: The Heated Brick Bed Radiated Warmth

The heated brick bed radiated warmth, filling the room with cozy comfort. Elena Ward deftly uncorked two bottles of premium liquor, its rich aroma instantly permeating the air.

"Can't let a day like this pass without a drink," Daniel Ward chuckled as he filled Nolan Brooks's glass before turning to Henry Cooper.

Rose Jackson sat blushing at the edge of the bed, deliberately keeping her distance from Nolan. Elena noticed this and stood up with her glass raised.

"Brother Nolan, this first toast is for you!"

Nolan quickly lifted his cup. He knew full well—this seemingly delicate young woman was the true backbone of the family. The village's only college graduate, the mayor's goddaughter—this girl was anything but ordinary.

"My sister suffered through the first half of her life, enduring humiliation all these years for our family's sake," Elena's voice trembled slightly. "That you'd go this far for her makes you a real man in my eyes!"

They drained their glasses in one go.

Elena poured a second round, and Luke wordlessly refilled Nolan's cup.

"This second toast—I'm entrusting my sister's future to you." Elena's gaze suddenly sharpened. "I may be young and hot-tempered, but one thing's certain—"

She slammed her glass onto the table with a thud. "Anyone who dares hurt my sister will pay dearly, even if it costs me my life!"

Nolan downed his drink in one gulp and wiped his mouth. "Little sister, I understand your feelings. But my kindness to Elena isn't out of fear—it's because I genuinely care for her."

His rough hand gently clasped Rose Jackson's trembling fingers. "I may not have grand talents, but I swear my wife and children will never go hungry or cold. And I'll never lay a finger on her."

These simple words moved hearts more than any sweet talk ever could.

Elena's eyes welled up as she raised her glass a third time. "Brother-in-law! For that promise alone, I toast you!"

"May sister and brother-in-law grow old together in happiness!" the siblings chorused their blessing.

Nolan's throat tightened—that title of "brother-in-law" meant more to him than anything.

The New Year's Eve feast was filled with laughter and joy. Elena's cooking earned endless praise, and the cheerful holiday programs on the radio added to the festive atmosphere.

When the clock struck midnight, the men took the children outside to set off firecrackers. Amid the deafening explosions, the four Ward siblings exchanged smiles, their gazes drifting unconsciously to their parents' memorial tablets on the altar.

Mom, Dad—we're doing just fine.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the Brooks household was decidedly gloomier.

Old Walter Brooks puffed sullenly on his pipe, tapping it loudly against the bedframe. His wife wiped her tears as she set the table. "On New Year's Eve, our Nolan's all alone in that broken-down shack without even a hot meal..."

The two daughters-in-law worked quietly in the kitchen, not daring to make a sound.

"Dad, I'm going to get big brother!" Second son Eric Brooks suddenly stood up.

"Nonsense!" Walter Brooks barked, though his pipe stopped its incessant tapping.

Third son Joseph Brooks silently followed his brother's lead. Seeing her husband's softening expression, the old woman whispered, "Don't say anything harsh when the boy comes home."

"Hmph! Not unless he agrees to cut ties with that Ward girl!" Walter Brooks grumbled stubbornly, though his eyes kept darting toward the door.

In the dilapidated shack, Nolan huddled under a thin blanket when suddenly, familiar footsteps sounded outside...