Chapter 34: Elena Ward Had Barely Taken Two Steps

Elena Ward had barely taken two steps when she suddenly felt the ground give way beneath her. Agnes Ward stumbled and crashed heavily onto the dirt road.

"Ouch—"

A shadow darted past. Elena lunged forward with feline grace, pressing her fingers against the old woman’s nape. With a precise pinch, Agnes went limp, collapsing like a ragdoll.

"Got it!"

Elena swiftly retrieved an envelope from Agnes’s coat. The gilded words "Air Force Aviation University" shimmered under the sunlight. Her fingers trembled slightly.

This wasn’t her dream school. Back when filling out applications, her homeroom teacher had chosen this military academy for her—full tuition waiver, plus a stipend. For a family as poor as The Wards, it was like winning the lottery.

Anywhere is better than this hellhole. Elena bit her lip.

In those days, college applications were a blind gamble. You submitted your choices before even knowing your scores. Dreams were shattered, hopes misplaced. But for Elena, this slip of paper was her lifeline.

"A soldier’s life? Could be worse." She smirked bitterly and tucked the acceptance letter into her inner pocket.

When she looked up, she met the stunned gaze of Robert Hale. Elena winked. "Uncle Robert, you saw nothing, right?"

The old mailman shook his head and hurried away on his bicycle. That girl’s ruthless—the old lady took quite a fall. But… serves her right.

Elena glanced at Agnes’s unconscious form, her lips curling into a cold smile.

She’d used a little trick—reversing her healing ability. It was a secret she’d discovered in her past life: the same power that mended could also break.

"Consider yourself lucky I didn’t paralyze you." She nudged Agnes’s leg with her foot before turning toward home.

She needed to pack. Tomorrow, she’d visit Grace and Vanessa, then send a telegram to Daniel—no way would she let that family leech off them anymore!

At Mayor Martin Reed’s house, the lights blazed bright.

"A college student? Really?" Helen Reed snatched the acceptance letter, her hands shaking. "Martin! Our village is going to be famous!"

Martin rubbed his hands excitedly. "We’re throwing a feast! Three days straight! Let every village for miles know Pinehaven Village has produced a scholar!"

Elena waved her hands hastily. "No, no, if my grandmother finds out, she’ll raise hell."

"She wouldn’t dare!" The mayor slammed the table. "You’re the pride of this village now! Anyone who messes with you answers to me!"

Elena lowered her head to hide a smirk. Perfect. With the mayor’s backing, that old hag wouldn’t stand a chance.

Night deepened. Elena clutched the letter in her pocket, her heart pounding.

This time, no one would steal her future.