Chapter 58: Hannah Cooper Flew into Henry Cooper's Arms Like a Joyful Little

"Dad!"

Hannah Cooper flew into Henry Cooper's arms like a joyful little bird. Henry lifted his daughter and spun her around, his face crinkling with laughter. Spotting Elena Ward standing nearby, he quickly set the child down and scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

Elena's eyes grew warm. The scene reminded her of her late adoptive father, who had once held her the same way. After turning fourteen, such warmth had become a rare luxury.

"You could've warned us you were coming back," Grace Cooper chided, though her voice was softer than usual as she untied her apron and dusted off her husband's clothes.

Henry took the apron and brushed himself off. "The job wrapped up early. I was worried about you managing everything alone..." His gaze shifted to Elena. "And who's this?"

"Nice to meet you, brother-in-law. I'm Elena Ward." She stepped forward before Grace could introduce her.

"Well, I'll be!" Henry slapped his thigh. "Look how grown-up you are! Your sister never stops talking about you—says our Elena's the brightest and bound for college." His grin stretched ear to ear.

Elena smiled faintly. Memories from age six had long faded, but this kindhearted man made her feel at ease.

"Go wash up, brother-in-law. The dumplings are almost ready." She turned toward the kitchen, already planning ways to help improve her sister's household—especially for that paralyzed brother-in-law lying in the back room. If she could cure his illness...

Bang! Vanessa Ward stormed in, slamming a bucket onto the floor. She scowled at Henry but held her tongue.

The three children swiftly set the table. Elena paused as she carried out the dumplings—Vanessa had already devoured an entire bowl, while the kids shared another.

"Were you raised in a barn?" Elena shot Vanessa a cold look as she reached for more.

"None of your damn business!" Vanessa threw down her chopsticks. "Who said this was your house?"

Elena steadied the nearly overturned table. "This is my family. You don't get a say."

"Your family?" Vanessa let out a shrill laugh. "What are you, anyway? A nobody's bastard!"

The room plunged into deadly silence.

Elena's pulse raced, but her expression remained calm. "Say that again."

"I said you're a bastard!" Vanessa shrieked. "First your real mom, then your adoptive parents—you killed them all! Grandma always said you're a curse!"

Grace rushed to cover Vanessa's mouth. "Stop this nonsense!"

Vanessa shoved her away, jabbing a finger at Elena. "Ask your sister if you don't believe me! She knows better than anyone—you're not even a Ward!"

Elena's fingers turned icy, yet she smiled. Finally... the moment has come.