Chapter 307: Rose Jackson Placed the Last Stack of Bowls into the Sterilizer

With a clatter, Rose Jackson placed the last stack of bowls into the sterilizer and wiped the sweat from her brow. Nolan Brooks was mopping the floor, while the new kitchen helper had already collapsed onto the table, exhausted.

The past two days had been insane. Before opening, they never imagined business would boom like this—they were severely understaffed. Everyone was working triple shifts, barely finding time to take a sip of water.

Slurp— Elena cradled a large bowl of thick soup, eating with gusto. After the lunch rush, she had personally cooked a full pot, and now those who still had energy were devouring it.

"Sis!" Elena swallowed a mouthful of hot broth. "We really need to hire more help. You were scrambling with the cash register today—if you make a mistake, the loss could cover two waitresses' wages."

Rose and Nolan exchanged glances, their faces brimming with joy. The Ward family Spiced Stew had officially taken off. Though they weren’t sure how long this surge would last—especially with the boost from the recent community event—it was a promising start.

"Your brother-in-law and I were just discussing that," Rose said, drying her hands. "We had so many new customers today, all brought in by regulars. We’re thinking of recruiting from our home village—people we know well, easier to manage."

Elena frowned. "Sis, you can’t turn the back room into a dorm! Fire regulations strictly prohibit it. If something happens, the consequences would be disastrous."

"She’s right," Adrian Stone’s voice came from the doorway, snow still dusting his shoulders. "I know a reliable security guard who’s looking for work."

Elena’s eyes brightened, her lips curling into an unconscious smile. She had known he’d come today.

Adrian’s chest warmed at the sight of her grin. In that moment, he finally understood what poets meant by "a single glance that outshines a thousand charms."

"Get Adrian a bowl of soup!" Rose fretted, stomping her foot. "Honestly, girl, don’t you know how to take care of your own man?"

Adrian had already helped himself to a generous serving. "Don’t trouble yourself, sis. I’ve got it." He took a deep sip, the warmth spreading from his stomach to his limbs. This place always felt so alive—nothing like his own cold, empty home.

"Who made this? It’s delicious," he asked, feigning ignorance.

"It was Aunt Elena!" Samuel Jackson piped up.

Adrian’s eyes gleamed as he sidled up to Elena. "Any news from Shawn Johnson?"

"He sent the land deed," she murmured. "Oh, and look into someone for me—Julia Hale."

Adrian’s pupils constricted. He knew that name—the eldest daughter of the Hale family.

"And dig up everything you can on The Hales. The more details, the better," Elena added.

"Aren’t you going to ask why?" She tilted her head.

Adrian chuckled. "You always have your reasons. I know your heart—even if you don’t always see it yourself."

Elena nearly choked on her soup. Was this man handing her a good person card? Should she even accept it?

"Stop grinning. I’m taking you home to rest," Adrian pinched her cheek. "You barely slept last night."

Elena rattled off more suggestions for kitchen renovations, and Rose and Nolan nodded eagerly. Their daily revenue had already surpassed five thousand, with profits in the thousands—something they’d never dreamed of back in the village.

Nolan was fired up. He’d expected to be hauling bricks in the city, but now he was a business owner. At this rate, they could buy a house and settle down within a year.

Life was truly getting better by the day.