Chapter 283: The Bespectacled Man Spoke with Impeccable Politeness

"Good afternoon. This is a congratulatory gift from Mr. Jacob Kingsley of the Kingsley Group for the grand opening of the Bai Family Spiced Stew. Mr. Kingsley has reserved ten tables for ten people each, arriving at 8 PM sharp. Should we pay a deposit in advance?" The bespectacled man spoke with impeccable politeness.

Elena Ward finally recognized him—wasn't this the assistant who had driven her home last time?

Nolan Brooks was stunned. Ten tables? Ten seats per table? How many people was that?

Rose nudged him discreetly, and Nolan snapped out of it. "No deposit needed. We'll have everything prepared for Mr. Kingsley's arrival." He knew how to handle formalities smoothly.

The assistant turned to Elena, his face lighting up with a respectful, almost deferential smile. "Dr. Ward, Mr. Kingsley sent me specifically to congratulate you on your family's new venture. I hope you don't mind."

Elena smiled faintly. "How thoughtful of Mr. Kingsley. I’m delighted. Please convey my gratitude and let him know I’ll visit him personally to thank him soon." If someone was offering goodwill, why refuse?

"Of course." The assistant directed the workers to arrange the expensive floral displays neatly before taking his leave.

Elena's sister pulled her aside and whispered, "Who is this Mr. Kingsley? Such extravagance! Those plants must’ve cost a fortune." Having recently dealt with decorators, she knew even an ordinary orchid could cost hundreds, let alone rare varieties.

Elena patted her sister’s hand reassuringly. "Don’t worry. He’s the grandson of the elderly gentleman I saved last winter. This is his way of repaying the favor." She understood Jacob Kingsley was extending an olive branch—one that might prove useful later.

Her sister relaxed and went back to attending other guests.

At half past noon, Adrian Stone arrived with twenty of his casually dressed comrades. Though out of uniform, their upright posture and synchronized steps betrayed their military discipline.

Elena’s sister hurried to greet them. The ten tables on the first floor, which had only been partially occupied, were now nearly full. She silently thanked her sister for insisting on a spacious layout—otherwise, they’d never have fit everyone.

"Adrian, thank you so much." She handed him the menu, her approval of her future brother-in-law growing.

Adrian passed it around with a grin. "No need for thanks, we’re family. These are my comrades. When they heard my fiancée’s sister was opening a restaurant, they insisted on coming to support."

"Yeah, sis! Bring out the good stuff—we’re all carnivores!" a few of them chimed in.

She nodded with a smile. "I’ll arrange it. Anybody who doesn’t eat spicy?"

A couple raised their hands, and she noted it before heading to prepare the broth.

Elena carried over four bottles of aged grain liquor, placing two on each table. Adrian quickly took them from her, murmuring, "Come meet my comrades. They’re straightforward—don’t mind their bluntness."

Elena nodded graciously. If she was committing to Adrian, she’d have to get to know his circle sooner or later.

She poured herself a full glass and stood between the two tables. "Hello, everyone. I’m Elena Ward, Adrian’s fiancée. Thank you all for coming. This toast is for you." She downed it in one go.

Cheers and applause erupted.

The man beside Adrian, Simon, clapped him on the back. "Damn, Adrian! Not only is your girl stunning, but she’s got guts too—puts our wives to shame!" He turned to the others. "Shouldn’t we punish the captain here with three drinks for hiding such a gem?"

"Three drinks! Three drinks!" The group roared in agreement.

Adrian shot Simon a glare—the man thrived on chaos. But he downed three shots without hesitation.

Elena’s heart ached. Drinking on an empty stomach was terrible for him. Thankfully, her sister had Nolan bring out peanuts and pickles.

Simon wasn’t done. "Comrades! The captain took three. Since it’s our first time meeting Elena, shouldn’t we each drink six to match her three? But we can’t bully a lady, so we’ll drink double!"

Elena nearly laughed. These soldiers were nothing if not earnest—even their drinking games came with multipliers. But her tolerance was abysmal; two ounces would knock her out.

Just as she hesitated, Adrian snatched her glass. "I’ll drink for her. She’s no match for you alcohol tanks." He downed three more in quick succession.

The room erupted in laughter, teasing Adrian for spoiling his fiancée. Elena squeezed his hand discreetly before slipping away to help her sister with the dishes.