Chapter 241: Elena Ward and Daniel Ward Packed Their Luggage with Practiced Efficiency

Elena Ward and Daniel Ward packed their luggage with practiced efficiency. Adrian Stone had already arranged everything with his contacts at the train station—their large trunks were sent via freight, and even their platform tickets were taken care of.

"Elena, over here!" Adrian called, leading a bespectacled railway worker toward them. "This is my childhood friend, Derek Wells. He works at the railway bureau."

Derek Wells's eyes lit up as he enthusiastically shook Elena's hand. "Mrs. Stone! Adrian's never introduced us to any woman before—you're the first!"

Elena flushed at the unexpected warmth. "Nice to meet you. I might have to trouble you often in the future."

"Don't mention it!" Derek Wells grinned, but before he could say more, Adrian smoothly pulled Elena's hand back.

"That's enough. We should board now," Adrian said calmly.

Derek Wells winked at him and lowered his voice. "You sly dog, Adrian! Keeping this a secret, huh? Just wait—I'm calling the guys right now!" With a wave at Elena, he dashed off.

The train slowly pulled away from the station. Adrian stood on the platform, his intense gaze fixed on Elena through the window. Suddenly, she leaned out and whispered in his ear, "I'll miss you."

His eyes darkened, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. In the end, he only gave her hand a firm squeeze.

"Call me when you arrive," he said.

As the train grew smaller in the distance, Elena watched his tall figure shrink to a mere dot. A smile tugged at her lips without her realizing it.

"Tsk, tsk. Those eyes could melt steel," Daniel teased beside her.

"Daniel!" Elena shot him a glare, her cheeks burning.

By dusk, the train finally reached its destination. On the platform, a young man holding a sign with "Elena Ward" stamped his feet against the cold.

"Mrs. Stone!" The boy—Wendy Young—jogged over as soon as he spotted them. "I'm one of Instructor Stone's students. He sent me to pick you up!"

Elena's heart warmed. She couldn't imagine how long he'd been waiting in this freezing weather.

The Jeep's trunk barely fit all five large suitcases. Wendy Young chattered nonstop during the drive, singing Adrian's praises as if he were a legend.

"Our instructor is—"

Elena couldn't help but laugh, her heart swelling with sweetness.

Under the ink-black sky, they finally arrived at Pinehaven Village. Elena's sister, Rose Jackson, had already heard the commotion and rushed out in her padded coat.

"You're finally back!" She pulled Elena into a tight hug. "Hungry? I'll make noodles!"

Wendy Young helped unload the luggage but declined to stay. Elena quickly pressed two packs of cigarettes into his hands. "If you're not going home for the holidays, come eat with us!"

"Really?" His eyes sparkled. "I'll remember that! Everyone in the unit raves about your braised pork!"

After seeing him off, Rose Jackson had already prepared steaming bowls of noodles. Cradling her bowl, Elena felt an unexpected warmth in the rising steam—this winter, somehow, felt especially cozy.