Chapter 275: Elena Ward Led Her Eldest Sister's Family of Five

Elena Ward led her eldest sister's family of five into the hospital canteen as the lunch rush was winding down. The moment she stepped through the door, Chef Grant hurried over with a beaming smile.

"Happy New Year, Dr. Ward! Back to work so soon?" Chef Grant rubbed his hands together, his eyes darting toward Elena's sister and her family. Ever since Director Carter had personally accompanied Elena, the entire canteen staff knew she was the director's favorite.

Elena smiled and nodded. "Happy New Year, Chef Grant. This is my eldest sister's family—they just got off the train, and there's nothing at home yet, so I brought them for a warm meal."

Chef Grant slapped his thigh. "Ah, perfect timing! We've got some special dishes for the holiday—dumplings, braised chicken with mushrooms, soy-braised pork trotters..."

"A bit of everything, please." Elena handed over her lunchbox. "And pack an extra serving of dumplings for me."

Soon, the table was laden with dishes—glossy soy-braised pork trotters steaming hot, golden braised chicken with mushrooms wafting an irresistible aroma. The three children stared wide-eyed, and the youngest, Samuel, even swallowed hard.

Elena's sister, Rose Jackson, nervously tugged at her sleeve. "Elena, this... how much will this cost?"

"Don't worry, sis. I'm using meal vouchers." Elena pulled out a few ration coupons and waved them.

"Meal vouchers?" Rose Jackson eyed them skeptically. In her experience, canteens served nothing but bland broth and plain rice—certainly not lavish spreads like this.

Chef Grant came by to collect the coupons, cheerfully adding, "Dr. Ward, what would you like for breakfast tomorrow? We've got fresh milk..."

"Just the usual is fine." Elena politely declined any special treatment.

Once the meal began, the three boys devoured the food like a whirlwind. Nolan Brooks kept his head down, shoveling rice into his mouth, while Rose Jackson kept glancing around—several doctors in white coats were whispering and pointing in their direction.

"Is that the director's favorite?"

"Tch, bringing all these country bumpkins..."

The hushed remarks reached her ears, and suddenly, the chopsticks in her hand felt heavier.

Elena immediately noticed her sister's discomfort. She stood abruptly and walked over to the doctors' table.

"Colleagues," she said, her tone measured but firm, "this is my eldest sister. If you have any issues with the canteen food, you're welcome to take it up with Director Carter."

The group fell silent instantly.

When Elena returned to her seat, she saw her sister's eyes were red-rimmed. "Ignore them, sis. Let's just enjoy our meal."

Just then, a commotion broke out at the canteen entrance. Adrian Stone strode in, carrying two bulging cloth bags.

"Perfect timing," he said with a grin, setting them on the table. "Brought some New Year's treats from home."

Inside were cured sausages, soy-braised duck, and a pack of milk candies. The children cheered, the earlier tension vanishing in an instant.

As they walked back after the meal, Rose Jackson whispered, "Elena, that Mr. Stone... does he have feelings for you?"

Elena's ears burned before she could answer. Then she spotted Adrian's jeep parked outside the dormitory. He was unloading folding cots from the trunk, his military uniform sleeves rolled up to reveal toned forearms.

"Good timing," Adrian said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Sleeping on the floor in this weather would be freezing."

Four camp beds, four brand-new bedding sets. Watching the soldier bustle about, Rose Jackson suddenly understood something and smiled knowingly.