Chapter 271: Agnes Ward's Wrinkled Face Brightened

"Daniel's here! Come closer and let Grandma take a good look at you!" Agnes Ward's wrinkled face brightened as she beckoned to Daniel.

Daniel knelt properly and bowed deeply. "Happy New Year, Grandma." His sisters followed suit. The elderly women nearby watched with envy—everyone knew Agnes lived comfortably now. Her youngest son lived with her, and she ruled the household. The eldest son’s children had all made something of themselves: a soldier, a factory worker, a doctor in the city. Even the divorced eldest granddaughter, raising three children while tending chickens and pigs, outshone others.

This New Year, they had returned in a car—something the villagers had never seen before. The eldest Ward family had truly risen. It was a shame the eldest son had passed early; otherwise, he would have enjoyed this prosperity.

"Good, good! Get up now!" Agnes grinned, her eyes crinkling with joy.

Since her last stroke, the old woman had never regained the weight she’d lost. Elena observed coldly that Agnes seemed livelier than before. Clearly, Calvin Ward wasn’t faring well these days.

The elderly women tactfully stood. "It’s the New Year—we should visit other homes too." With that, they left.

Agnes pulled Daniel onto the heated bed and waved at Grace and Elena. "Come sit!"

Elena clung to Grace’s sleeve, refusing to let go. Grace understood her sister’s hesitation. After how Agnes and their uncle had treated her, followed by the truth about her parentage, it was natural for Elena to hold resentment. Still, she hoped the family could at least maintain appearances.

Reluctantly, Elena sat down.

Agnes shakily retrieved several gift envelopes from the bed cabinet and pressed one into each of their hands. "This year, I’m following the city folks’ tradition—New Year’s money. Don’t mind how little it is."

Elena clenched the envelope, her emotions in turmoil. After years of hatred, this sudden change left her at a loss.

Agnes bore responsibility for the tragedies of Elena’s past life. Did the old woman’s repentance now erase that? Elena couldn’t accept it. Not seeking revenge after her rebirth was mercy enough—expecting her to smile and play nice? Impossible.

"Grandma, where’s Calvin and the others? How could they leave you alone on New Year’s? The house is freezing—didn’t they prepare enough firewood?" Daniel frowned.

Agnes scoffed. "That precious son of mine took his wife to curry favor with Caleb Ward’s future in-laws. They’d sooner see me dead than care if I freeze."

Daniel sighed. Grace and Elena went out to fetch firewood, stoking the stove until warmth filled the room.

"Grandma, after the New Year, Elena is bringing the kids to the city with us. I don’t like leaving you here alone. Why not come with us?" Daniel asked earnestly.

Elena turned her face away, pretending not to hear.

"Elena should go. With you all in the city, she won’t have to endure the village gossip." Agnes shook her head. "This old bones isn’t going anywhere. This house and land will be yours, Daniel. I’ll guard them for you—won’t let Calvin take advantage."

Daniel grew anxious. "But Uncle treats you like this—"

"Don’t worry." Agnes patted his hand. "After what happened last time, the Women’s Federation checks in regularly. They wouldn’t dare cause trouble now. I’ve wronged you all too much in this life. I won’t burden you further."

The old woman spoke with such sincerity that even Elena had to admit—this time, Agnes truly seemed remorseful.