Jaden smiled faintly, his expression relaxed and unbothered.“I walked in,” he said plainly.The simplicity of the answer irritated Shaggy instantly.“That’s impossible!” Shaggy snapped, his composure cracking. “I gave Larry strict orders. No one was allowed inside. Where is he?”Almost on cue, hurried footsteps echoed from the entrance.Larry stumbled into the hall, his right arm hanging at an awkward angle. His face was twisted in pain, sweat pouring down his temples as he cradled his shattered shoulder.“Mr. Sultan,” Larry said through clenched teeth, his voice strained. “This man forced his way in. I tried to stop him… but he fractured my shoulder. I couldn’t hold him.”The hall fell silent.Every gaze snapped toward Jaden.Shaggy’s pupils shrank. His mouth fell open slightly before he caught himself. Larry was no ordinary bodyguard. He was a brutal enforcer who had broken bones and crushed men for a living.Yet he had been crippled in a single exchange.By this man?Impossible.T

Selena and her family stared at Jaden with tense expressions, their hearts hanging in midair. They were terrified he would push things too far and embarrass himself beyond repair.But Jaden looked completely at ease.He answered calmly, as though he were commenting on the weather.“The taste is almost the same. But one dish is missing. Beef Wellington.”The moment the words left his mouth, Shaggy let out a contemptuous laugh.“Beef Wellington?” he said scornfully. “That’s the most iconic dish at a state banquet. Everyone knows that.”He leaned back, adopting a lecturing tone, clearly enjoying the chance to put Jaden in his place.“It wasn’t served today because it has to be prepared well in advance. The process is complicated, and one mistake ruins everything.”“And more importantly,” Shaggy continued, his voice filled with pride, “Steve Lewis is famous worldwide for his Beef Wellington. Jake may be his most trusted apprentice and may have learned most of his techniques, but even he k

Aladin’s eyes narrowed as he leaned forward slightly, his voice sharp. “Jaden, why isn’t the chef here yet? What are you waiting for?”Felicia’s hands rested firmly on her hips, her tone demanding. “Yes! Where is he? We’ve been waiting!”A sudden, booming voice cut through the hall, silencing everyone immediately.“I am here!”All heads turned toward the entrance, where an elderly man had appeared. He was chubby, with flushed red cheeks, and his movements radiated energy and authority despite his age. His presence alone commanded attention.Selena’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Are you… the state banquet chef and Michelin-starred chef, Mr. Lewis?”The man let out a deep, hearty laugh, the sound echoing through the room. “Yes, indeed! I am Steve Lewis. Impersonators may exist, but my knife here will prove it!”He held up a gleaming chef’s knife that glinted under the restaurant lights. Etched along its spine were the words: State Banquet Chef, Michelin-starred Chef. A gift from the G

Aladin and Felicia were visibly upset, but there was nothing they could do except watch as reality unfolded before their eyes. Their plan to see Jaden humiliated had clearly backfired.Two hours later, Steve’s Beef Wellington was placed on the table. The rich, buttery aroma filled the entire dining area, mingling with the scent of roasted vegetables and fresh herbs. Everyone inhaled deeply, unable to resist the mouthwatering fragrance.Jaden and his family each took their first bites. Their eyes widened instantly as the flavors exploded across their palates—tender beef encased in perfectly flaky pastry, a savory mushroom duxelle, and just the right touch of seasoning.“This… this is incredible!” Jaden exclaimed, his voice calm but carrying genuine admiration. “Steve, your skills are phenomenal!”Steve Lewis, normally composed and serious, beamed like a child, eyes crinkling in delight at the praise. “Thank you, Mr. Rift! I take pride in my craft, and your enjoyment is my reward.”Morg

That very night, Shaggy was wheeled out of Ironvale Central Hospital with his left leg wrapped in thick plaster, his face twisted in pain and humiliation. He did not dare stay another second in the city. Surrounded by bodyguards, he was rushed straight to the airport and flown back to Shadowmoor, where he was admitted into a private hospital owned by the Sultan family.By dawn, Shadowmoor was in an uproar.Two pieces of explosive news spread through the upper circles like wildfire.The first was Carl Rajar.The head of the Rajar family, one of the Southern Four, had been utterly defeated in Ironvale. His sworn brothers were dead. His elite forces were wiped out. Worse still, he had been forced to kneel, apologize, and pay a staggering three billion in compensation before being allowed to crawl back to Shadowmoor with his life intact.The second piece of news hit even harder.Shaggy Sultan, heir of the Sultan family and another of the Southern Four, had his leg broken by Jaden Rift him