All Chapters of The Return of The Warlord: Chapter 11
- Chapter 20
83 chapters
Chapter 11
Alan paused, letting the silence stretch between them. Hazel's eyes flickered with uncertainty, her fingers drumming impatiently on her knee. She was clearly torn between anticipation and frustration.“What are the terms?” His voice, deep and steady, broke the silence like a slow-rolling wave on a quiet shore. Hazel, visibly relaxed, a small smile curling on her lips.“Is that a yes?”He raised an eyebrow, his tone light. “Would you rather I say no?”“Of course not…Erm, where are you? Let us meet up.”“Don’t worry about it, I’ll come to you. Where are you?”“I’ll send you an address.”He ended the call without another word. A few moments later, his phone buzzed—a roadside cafe. Alan glanced at the address and smiled faintly. He recognized the type: anonymous, easy to blend in. He didn’t mind it.*The cafe was unassuming, with people hunched over their coffee mugs, chatting quietly. Alan spotted Hazel immediately, her gaze drifting towards an older man with glasses seated beside her.
Chapter 12
Hazel’s fingers danced over her phone screen as the car rolled away from the Donovans’ estate. — Are you available tomorrow evening?— Yeah— Let's meet up. I have to attend a school reunion, and I need a chaperone.— Let me guess, you need your handsome new fiancé.— What gave it away? Hehe… I can show you off to my friends.— Tsk, I'm not some jewellery.— Are you coming or not?— Fine, fine. But, we're taking your car.— You don't have a car?— ...Alan stared at his screen, his brow furrowing slightly. He had always caught rides or called taxis since returning from the frontlines. The thought of buying a car hadn't even crossed his mind. Civilian life still felt strange, its details were not quite fitting yet.…"She did what?!" Esau's voice echoed through the room, disbelief mixed with a rising anger. His eyes flashed as he leaned forward in his seat.Madam Rin’s voice cut sharply through his rage. "Language, young man." Her eyes, cold and unyielding, met Easu's, and he swallowe
Chapter 13
The evening rain fell lightly, a gentle curtain of droplets that glistened under the city lights. Alan and Hazel arrived at the reunion venue, Juniper Star, a classy restaurant nestled in the heart of Silverlace Business Area —the city's premier business centre. Silverlace Business Area was more than just a collection of buildings; it was a bustling hive of commerce, where only the best and brightest thrived. The vibrant atmosphere buzzed with energy, and the aroma of gourmet dishes wafted through the air, tempting passersby to step inside.Hazel turned heads as they entered. She wore a stunning, studded sky-blue dress with long sleeves that hugged her figure perfectly. A delicate silver necklace adorned her neck, featuring a half-moon pendant that shimmered like a star in the night sky. With her elegance, she seemed to have stepped out of a painting, captivating all who laid eyes on her. Alan, on the other hand, felt woefully underdressed in a simple white shirt and well-ironed black
Chapter 14
In Silverlace, a VIP citizen was not just someone who held a prestigious title; they were seen as a vital asset to the city. These individuals often provided substantial support, whether through hefty donations or powerful connections that kept city officials on their toes, eager to maintain a favourable relationship. With fewer than a dozen Premium Membership Cards circulating in Silverlace, the appearance of one at their table sent shockwaves through the group.“How did he get it? Did he save the country at the front lines or something?”Collins scrutinised the card again, his brow furrowed in disbelief. The intricate design and flashy imprints spoke of authenticity, leaving him no room for doubt.The waitress returned the card, bowing deeply. “We are honoured to have such an esteemed guest at our establishment.”Alan scratched his temple, a faint smile creeping onto his face. “Don’t be so courteous; I’m only borrowing the card for now. It belongs to a friend.”His words held a kern
Chapter 15
“How can you be so daft!?” The sharp voice of Old Lady Hades echoed through the villa, filling every corner with tension. “You were supposed to go to the Donovan Family and beg for their forgiveness, to ensure the engagement remained intact! But instead, you let your daughter break it off! Now look at the mess we’re in! How did we lose the piers to the Fletchers? The Fletcher Family, of all people!”Magnus knelt on the plush rug, tears pooling on the soft fabric beneath him.In the corridor, maids and household staff stood frozen in fear, unable to approach the Study. They could only line up outside, listening to the commotion.“Young Miss,” one of the maids said as Hazel approached, an unfamiliar man by her side. He was handsome, but his attire was surprisingly ordinary. If they weren’t holding hands, she would have mistaken him for a new staff member.“What’s going on?” Hazel asked, her curiosity piqued.“The Madam is in a foul mood. Master Magnus is inside with her,” the maid repli
Chapter 16
The discussion went on for almost an hour before old lady Hades chased them out of the Study to get started on the plan.“Marilyn”One of the maids rushed into the Study, it was the same maid that had explained the situation to them when they arrived.Magnus beamed, “It looks like Mother is going to give the others a lot of work now”, he addressed Alan, “You’re a godsend, kid.”Alan accepted the praise graciously, “I’m glad I was of help.”“I see what Hazel sees in you. I’m just surprised that a young man like yourself is the Chairman of Gold Aries. It is one of those companies we’ve been keeping an eye on. If they weren’t in a different industry from us, they would have been seen as a threat. Now that we can recognize them as an ally, I can rest better.”With that, Magnus left happily.Minutes later, Hazel and Alan walked through the garden behind the main villa, it was filled with blooming flowers and a small pond with a fountain. A serene environment.“That went better than I expec
Chapter 17
Amour Blanc CafeSilver Lace Business Area“I was surprised when you said you wanted us to have a cup of tea,” Hazel was wearing a white corporate gown, with red lipstick and a white brim hat on her lap.Alan sat opposite her, in a brown turtleneck. He watched people walk down the crosswalk from the tall window beside them.“We already made a show out of the engagement as you requested. I thought it would only make sense if we shared a cup of tea,” he lifted his cup to his lips and paused, “and learned a bit more about each other”, he took a sip of his tea.Hazel beamed, “I always thought you were too secretive. Knowing each other more is a good idea.” Hazel sat upright, she was getting a rare opportunity to find out more about the enigma that was Alan Walker. “Is there a limit to the questions I can ask?”“Five for now”“Come on”, she cried out in disagreement.“Leave something for the pillow talk”Hazel scoffed at his remark. “Fine. Five questions it is.” She tapped her chin thought
Chapter 18
“This has got to be a joke, right?” Linda’s voice trembled with disbelief as she paced the room. “Has Hazel lost her mind? Engaged to some random guy out of nowhere?” She turned to John, her eyes sharp. “Does she not care about grandmother’s wishes, or is she just flaunting her disrespect?”John remained seated, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his glass. “Uncle Magnus says grandmother was impressed by her new fiancé.”Linda stopped in her tracks, her lip curling in a sneer. “Impressed? Grandmother? When’s the last time she was impressed by anyone? That woman hasn’t smiled since the turn of the century.” Her laugh was short, bitter. “And now we’re supposed to believe that nobody charmed her? Make it make sense.”John shrugged, unbothered. “I’m only repeating what Uncle Magnus told me. Apparently, this guy advised grandmother on how to handle the Donovan issue.”Linda’s sneer faltered. “For real?” She lowered her voice, crossing her arms. The Donovan debacle had been a thorn in thei
Chapter 19
The next day, Hazel and Alan visited the Hades Estate. They didn’t expect to see Malcolm Hildestein walking out of the Matriarch’s Study, with Magnus smiling as though Malcolm were a special guest.“Well, if it isn’t the future head of the Hades family,” Malcolm sneered when he saw them. His eyes gleamed with amusement, but there was nothing friendly in his voice. “Congrats, Hazel. I heard you found a replacement for Esau. Quite a downgrade, if you ask me.”Alan could feel Malcolm’s judgmental stare. He met Malcolm’s eyes but said nothing. Engaging with someone like Malcolm was a waste of time.Hazel’s smile was small and tight, her eyes cold. “Malcolm, so nice of you to visit. I’m guessing you didn’t come just to flatter me.”Malcolm grinned smugly. “Actually, I have some news. I’m getting married—into the Maple family. I came to drop the invitations.” He watched Hazel closely, waiting to see her reaction. Alan noticed the slight tension in Hazel’s face, the way her hands clenched at
Chapter 20
Hazel stood at the edge of the ballroom, the murmurs of conversation surrounding her was like an irritating buzz. The grandeur of Malcolm Hildestein’s wedding was undeniable—one of the top event halls in the city, glistening chandeliers casting a golden glow on tables adorned with the finest silks, with waiters whisking about the room, carrying trays of champagne and hors d’ oeuvres. It was a wedding of the wealthy. However, in spite of the luxury offered, it was stifling, like being imprisoned within a diamond-studded box.Across the room, she caught sight of Malcolm's mother, flanked by two women from the Maple family. They leaned in toward each other, their faces full of mock sympathy as they whispered and stole glances in Hazel’s direction.“She’s come alone? Imagine, engaged to a military man who can’t even make time for her,” one of them whispered, perhaps a tad too loudly.The words pierced through Hazel like a cold wind. She retained her smile, but she felt the sting of those