Chapter 289: Adrian Stone's Lips Curled into a Faint Smirk

Adrian Stone's lips curled into a faint smirk. It seemed the Lee family patriarch was still in the dark.

"Uncle Lee, perhaps you're unaware?" he deliberately raised his voice. "Dr. Ward is Adrian's fiancée! Of course, the lovebirds would sit together."

The private room fell into stunned silence.

Adrian suppressed a triumphant grin. He'd done his homework on Elena Ward and knew about The Stone family's influence behind her. What puzzled him was how The Stones seemed completely oblivious to this engagement.

The Stone family dynamics were far more complicated than most. Adrian's stepmother, Sylvia Stone, was a formidable woman. His grandfather had once remarked how she'd managed to wrap Adrian's father around her finger without bearing any children, securing her position as the lady of the house.

Years ago, when the Stone child went missing, the entire compound had mobilized to search. Officially, it was declared a case of the child wandering off, but everyone knew Victoria was behind it.

If Adrian didn't sort out his family situation, this engagement wouldn't go smoothly.

Today, he intended to give Elena a helping hand. Having Mayor Lee's support would carry more weight than anything else.

Mayor Lee's eyes widened as he stared at Adrian and Elena in disbelief. "Dr. Ward, you and Adrian are really...?"

Adrian turned to Elena, his gaze deep and unreadable.

Elena pressed her lips together in a small smile. "Sir, Instructor Stone is indeed my fiancé. He saved me from drowning in the reservoir and proposed to protect my reputation from village gossip." She playfully winked. "I'd say I got the better end of the deal."

Their shared smile seemed to sweeten the air between them.

Mayor Lee clapped Adrian on the shoulder. "You sly dog! I was planning to introduce Dr. Ward to my useless son!" He suddenly leaned in conspiratorially. "Tell you what—if you're having second thoughts, I can help you call off this engagement."

Elena arched an eyebrow at Adrian, who merely smiled calmly.

"Dr. Ward," Mayor Lee turned to Elena, "The Stones are too high society for you. If you want out, I'll back you up!"

Elena grabbed Adrian's hand. "Sir, there's no need for concern. Adrian and I have an understanding—he's mine in life and death." She tilted her head at Adrian. "Isn't that right?"

Adrian clasped her slender wrist in return. "Uncle Lee, we've already submitted our marriage application. The wedding will happen once Elena turns twenty."

Mayor Lee deflated like a punctured balloon.

Nathaniel burst into laughter. "Give it up, old friend! These two are perfect for each other!"

"Bah!" Mayor Lee waved him off irritably. "Who wouldn't want such a fine young woman? I was just recognizing quality when I saw it!"

As the banter continued, Rose and Nolan brought out the hot pot. The bubbling spicy broth immediately captured everyone's attention.

Then—screeching tires.

Elena whirled toward the window just in time to see a van barreling straight toward them.

"Run!" she barely had time to shout.

Adrian yanked her into his arms, diving for the corner as—

CRASH!

Shards of glass exploded inward with the winter wind. The van reversed hastily to escape, but Adrian and Adrian were already in pursuit.

Adrian lunged for the door handle as the vehicle accelerated, his body lifting off the ground.

Adrian jumped into his own car, giving chase through the snow-slicked streets in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Adrian smashed the window with one punch, reaching in to unlock the door. As it flew open, he used the momentum to roll inside.

"Stop the car!" he roared, locking an arm around the driver's throat.

BAM!

Adrian's car rammed the van. Adrian was thrown to the floor as the driver went flying through the windshield.

Struggling to rise, Adrian felt warm blood dripping down his arm. A gruesome gash revealed white bone beneath torn flesh.