Chapter 322: Elena Ward Sounded Surprised

"You actually remembered?" Elena Ward sounded surprised.

"I never forget anything about you."

The simple yet sincere words warmed Elena's heart. What woman wouldn't want to feel special in her lover's eyes?

"Such smooth talk! Captain Stone, mind your military decorum!"

"How's William doing? He seemed in good spirits earlier with no visible injuries—nothing serious, I hope?" Adrian Stone deftly changed the subject. He wasn't one for sweet nothings; when he spoke from the heart, it was always genuine, never calculated.

"He'll be discharged tomorrow. I plan to have him stay at my place temporarily. The camp bed from last time is still there—we'll set it up in the living room. My brother-in-law will be eager to return home after wrapping up his business; there's plenty waiting for him there."

"Two grown men staying at your place isn't ideal. Should I arrange accommodations for them at the guesthouse?" Adrian frowned. Elena's sister's home was already cramped, and the restaurant would be too cold at night—there really weren't better options.

"Don't trouble yourself. It's just for a few days. William is sensitive—making a fuss might make him uncomfortable." Elena saw things clearly. Given William's personality, he'd likely leave on his own soon enough.

"'That kid'? He's several years older than you." Adrian couldn't help but chuckle. Elena's matronly tone made it seem like she viewed William as a junior.

"My mistake—'that gentleman,'" Elena corrected, smacking her forehead in frustration. She had a habit of treating others like they needed her care—a tendency she needed to curb.

"I won't be able to pick you up tomorrow. I have to report to the district office and won't be back for at least three days. Take care of yourself, especially with your chronic condition. I worry when I'm not around."

"You take care too. By the way... will this incident affect you?" Elena finally voiced the concern weighing on her. Though she knew seeking Adrian's help might have been improper, her first thought upon receiving the telegram was that there might be protectors behind the scenes.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I'll come straight to you when I return." Adrian's voice softened. Some things couldn't be shared yet, but far from causing trouble, this operation had earned him major commendations for cracking a significant case. His superiors had already hinted that his promotion next month was practically guaranteed.