Chapter 220: Elena Ward Elegantly Cut into Her Steak

"Auntie, Adrian and I both have our own careers. We'll naturally live separately after marriage." Elena Ward elegantly cut into her steak, the silverware glinting under the chandelier. "Are you worried about mother-in-law conflicts? There's no need. With your status, surely you wouldn’t stoop to harassing me like some petty gossipmonger?"

Sylvia Stone's grip on her wineglass faltered, the liquid trembling.

"Besides..." Elena took a slow, deliberate bite of the tender steak, savoring it before continuing, "whether you approve of me or not—does it matter? What matters is that Adrian wants to marry me." She lifted her gaze, clear and unwavering.

This upscale Western restaurant was indeed her first visit. On her current salary, she couldn’t afford such luxury. But since someone else was footing the bill, she saw no reason not to enjoy the meal.

"Dr. Ward, you certainly have a sharp tongue," Sylvia Stone sneered. "Aren’t you afraid people will say you’re climbing the social ladder?"

"Auntie, you flatter me." Elena chuckled lightly. "Someone of your standing wouldn’t indulge in such petty gossip, would you? These days, we believe in free love." She took a sip of water. "I despise compromising for others’ opinions. What people think means nothing to me."

Sylvia Stone narrowed her eyes. This girl was far more formidable than she’d anticipated. If not for her niece, Dana Wells...

"Actually..." Sylvia Stone suddenly adopted a warm smile. "You’re still young, with limited social circles. I know many promising young men from better families than Adrian—"

"Auntie, are you trying to poach me?"

A cold male voice cut in.

All three turned. Adrian Stone stood at the entrance in his crisp military uniform, his handsome face stormy.

Dana Wells immediately rose, cheeks flushed. "Adrian—"

He ignored her, striding straight to Elena and pulling her up. "You could stomach this meal?" His voice was thick with suppressed anger.

Sylvia Stone paled. "Adrian!"

He didn’t spare her a glance, wrapping an arm around Elena and leading her out. Patrons turned to watch.

Only when she was shoved into the jeep did Elena snap out of her daze. "How did you know I was here?"

Adrian started the engine, his knuckles whitening. "Leah Young from the hospital told me." His voice was low. "Sylvia Stone loves using these places to intimidate people."

Silence filled the car. Elena stole a glance at his tense profile and suddenly found it amusing.

"Nothing to explain?" She tugged at her seatbelt pointedly. "Like... why your mother was trying to set me up with someone else?"

The car jerked to a stop. Adrian turned, his dark eyes unreadable. "She’s not my birth mother."

Elena arched a brow.

"It’s complicated." He restarted the engine. "Just remember—don’t believe a word she says."

"And if she bullies me?" Elena tilted her head.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened. "There won’t be a next time."

"Earlier..." She leaned closer suddenly. "You rushed here because you were worried about me, didn’t you?"

The tips of his ears reddened visibly. Just as Elena thought he wouldn’t answer, a quiet "Mm" drifted to her.

She froze, then a smile tugged at her lips unbidden. This seemingly unyielding man had an unexpectedly adorable side.