Chapter 57: Elena Ward Accepted the Basket of Chives from Grace

Elena Ward accepted the basket of chives from Grace, her fingertips brushing against morning dew. "Second Sister, since when do we stand on ceremony?" She rolled up her sleeves with practiced ease. "Now that I've moved out, life feels lighter."

The cleaver in Grace's hand clattered onto the cutting board. "What? Grandma kicked you out?" She stamped her foot. "I'll go give her a piece of my mind!"

"Easy now." Elena chuckled, settling onto a stool beneath the grapevine. Sunlight dappled her face through the leaves. "I left on my own. Eating scraps and doing all the chores while you all sent money every month—what's the point?"

The rhythmic thud of chopping resumed from the kitchen. Grace peeked out, brows knitted. "You silly girl... Things will get better once you're in college." She hesitated. "Wait—your entrance exam..."

"I passed!" Elena sprang to the doorway, waving the chives. "Aerospace Military University—farther north than here!"

The cleaver hit the floor. Grace rushed forward, eyes glistening, nearly tripping over the blade. Elena sidestepped. "Sis! The knife!"

"My brilliant girl!" Grace tossed the cleaver aside, cupping Elena's face to plant two loud kisses. "I knew you'd make it! That sharp mind of yours takes after..." Her voice faltered, her complexion paling.

"After who?" Elena tilted her head, noting how Grace twisted her apron strings.

"O-our mother, of course!" Grace fled back to the kitchen, chopping with renewed vigor.

Elena lowered her lashes. Her sister's reaction sent a pang through her chest. So Grace knew something about her origins.

A thud echoed from the yard as two small figures appeared—a tanned boy and a delicate but sallow-faced girl.

"Hannah! Charlie! Come meet your aunt!" Grace beamed with maternal pride. "She got into college!"

Hannah clenched her dress hem. Elena caught the flicker of resentment in her eyes.

"College?" the girl burst out. "We can't even afford meat because of the money sent to her! What'll happen if we get in?"

Silence fell. Elena dusted flour from her hands and crouched to Hannah's eye level. "From today onward, I'll pay for your schooling." She wiped dirt from the girl's cheek. "If you study hard, I'll get you both to university."

Hannah bit her lip and turned away, though her ears turned pink.

"Well, isn't this lively?" A booming voice carried from the gate. Henry Cooper stood there, carpentry tools slung over his shoulder, scanning the scene. "What'd I miss?"

Grace wiped her tears. "Henry, Elena got into college!"

Henry blinked, then roared with laughter. "Fantastic! We're making extra dumplings tonight!" He ruffled Hannah's hair. "Learn from your aunt, kiddo. Make your old man proud someday!"

Hannah stole a glance at Elena before quickly looking down. Elena noticed the girl's grip on her dress had loosened.