Chapter 292: The Clock in the Hotpot Restaurant Struck Ten

The clock in the hotpot restaurant struck ten. Elena Ward stared blankly at the heavy snowfall outside the window. Adrian Stone and Nathaniel Stone still hadn’t returned—it seemed Kyle Blackwell, that slippery eel, remained at large.

"Sis, almost done cleaning up?" Elena withdrew her gaze, her fingers absently tapping the table.

Rose Jackson straightened up from wiping the counter. "All set. This damned weather—the snow’s getting worse." She glanced outside, worry creasing her brow. "You won’t be able to go back tonight."

A cold weight settled in Elena’s chest. Kyle Blackwell was undoubtedly plotting his escape back to the capital. A plane would be too conspicuous—a car was his best bet. He could easily commandeer one of his underlings' vehicles and vanish into the blizzard, heading north. Once he reached his family’s territory, even Nathaniel would think twice before making a move.

"Sis, I’ve got a bad feeling," Elena murmured.

Rose handed her a steaming cup of tea. "Don’t overthink it. Nolan said he’d stay overnight, and the boys insisted on keeping him company. With three grown men here, nothing will go wrong."

As if on cue, Nolan Brooks and his two stepsons emerged from the kitchen, still bickering about who would stay behind.

"Dad, you should go home and rest. We young guys have energy to spare!" Luke Jackson thumped his chest.

Aaron Jackson chimed in, "Yeah, and we’ve got to prep the spices for tomorrow. It makes sense for us to stay."

Nolan shook his head. "No way, you two reckless—"

"Enough!" Rose cut in firmly. "All three of you are staying. There’s a bed for each." She turned to Elena with a smile. "You’ll share my room tonight. Samuel can have the small bed to himself."

Samuel whooped. "Finally! No more listening to Luke’s snoring or Aaron’s—"

"Brat!" Luke lunged playfully, only for Nolan to laugh and block him.

Outside, the wind howled and snow swirled, but inside, warmth and laughter filled the air. Elena watched the family’s antics, her lips curving despite the unease gnawing at her.

Before leaving, she pulled Nolan aside. "Be on guard tonight. Kyle Blackwell… he’s dangerous."

Nolan’s expression hardened. He grabbed a kitchen knife and tucked it into his belt. "I’ll walk you back."

Battling the storm, the four trudged through the snow. Nolan shielded his wife and son with his broad frame, while Elena clung to her sister’s arm, each step sinking into the drifts. A distance that should’ve taken minutes stretched into half an hour.

Finally home, Rose fumbled with the key, her hands trembling from the cold. Nolan stood at the doorstep, brushing snow off his coat. "Lock up. I’ll head back now."

Elena opened her mouth to bid him goodbye—then the hairs on her neck stood on end. She whirled around, yanking Rose behind her.

"Long time no see, Dr. Ward." Kyle Blackwell stepped from the shadows, a gleaming knife pressed to Samuel’s throat. The boy’s face was pale, but he clenched his jaw, refusing to cry.

"Close the door," Kyle said, tilting his head. "Don’t bother screaming. In this storm, no one will hear you."

Elena slowly shut the door. The lock clicked—a sound like fate’s gears turning. She guided Rose into the living room, her eyes never leaving the blade.

"Let the boy go," she said, her voice eerily calm. "It’s me you want."

Kyle grinned, baring his teeth. "What’s the rush? The game’s just begun." He released Samuel, who immediately bolted to his mother—but still spread his arms protectively in front of the women.

The wind howled against the windows. The room was deathly silent. Elena studied Kyle’s twisted expression, her mind racing. She knew one thing for certain: tonight would be endless.