Chapter 26: Elena Ward Couldn T Care Less About Tessa Wilson S Meddling

Elena Ward couldn’t care less about Tessa Wilson’s meddling with Vanessa Ward. The 1980s were nothing like the old society—Agnes Ward might be domineering, but she had no say in Elena’s marriage. Even if Calvin Ward himself intervened, it wouldn’t matter. Freedom of marriage was written into the constitution.

No one could force her. Unless they drugged her like in her past life.

But this time, she had awakened her healing force early. She’d like to see if Agnes could pull the same trick again.

Returning to her courtyard, she found the lock broken from yesterday’s incident. She hadn’t replaced it yet—she couldn’t afford to. Aside from that bag of cornmeal, there was nothing of value inside. The villagers wouldn’t bother stealing from her, so she had left the gate slightly ajar.

But now, it was wide open.

Elena’s striking brows furrowed slightly. Her eyebrows were unusual—unlike most girls’, which tapered toward the ends, hers were sharply defined, like brushstrokes in calligraphy, with a slight upward tilt at the edges. They contrasted sharply with her delicate features.

Someone was in her yard.

Elena walked in without a flicker of emotion.

After dying once, what was there left to fear?

Helen Reed and Mayor Martin Reed were there with members of the Clark and Jackson families, hauling things around. When they spotted Elena, they froze mid-motion.

"Elena, you’re back early?"

Elena stared at the brand-new bamboo mat and low table in Agnes’s hands, the new iron pot and kitchenware by the stove, the sacks of flour, fresh meat, vegetables, and eggs. She was speechless.

"Quit dawdling! Hurry up and finish!" Agnes didn’t waste time, rushing over to Elena in quick strides.

"Elena, this is just a small token of our gratitude. In ancient times, saving a life would’ve meant repaying you with everything we own. Times have changed, but the sentiment’s the same. Compared to what you did for my brother, this is nothing." Agnes spoke rapidly, afraid Elena might refuse.

Last night, the old patriarch had made his stance clear: This girl is extraordinary.

After they’d taken Paul Mercer to the county hospital for a full checkup, the doctor had been baffled. "What exactly are you here for? This man’s in perfect health—full of energy. Why waste a hospital visit?"

Paul had been just as confused. He’d had high blood pressure and mild cerebral thrombosis. During his New Year’s checkup, the doctor had explicitly told him the conditions could only be managed, not cured.

Yet after Elena revived him, he hadn’t even taken his blood pressure medication. By all logic, he should’ve been dizzy and weak by now.

"Doctor, are you sure there’s nothing wrong?"

The doctor had laughed. "You’re a funny one. Most people pray they’re healthy, but you’re hoping for an illness?"

"But the high blood pressure, the thrombosis, the risk of heart attack—"

"Relax! You’re in better shape than a twenty-year-old. Perfect blood pressure, clean brain scans, flawless ECG. At this rate, you’ll live to a hundred."

Paul had bolted back to the village like he’d seen a ghost, leaving his sister, wife, and kids behind at the hospital.

"That girl’s a miracle worker!" he’d exclaimed the moment he stepped through the door.

After hearing the full story, the old patriarch had simply said, "She’s a divine healer. We must look out for her from now on."

Agnes and Martin hadn’t slept all night. Being able to cure illnesses was one thing, but bringing someone back from the brink of death and erasing years of chronic conditions? That was something else entirely.

It was easy to add flowers to a brocade, but hard to send charcoal in the snow. Right now, Elena was at her lowest. Befriending her now might mean saving their own lives someday.

At dawn, the two families had sprung into action. The Reeds and Jacksons were influential in the village, with dozens of relatives between them. Now, all of them were bustling around Elena’s courtyard.

"Thank you, Auntie." Elena didn’t refuse.

Agnes beamed. "That’s more like it! From now on, you’re family—our daughter, niece, whatever you want to call it. If anyone dares bully you, we’ll break their legs!"

"Yes!" the crowd chorused.

The courtyard buzzed with laughter and chatter, lively and warm.

A faint smile touched Elena’s lips.

People had to prove their worth, after all.