Ex Husband Returns: The Martial Arts Godmaster

Chapter 6: The Birthday Banquet

The sprawling villa hidden in the hills overlooking the city was a stark contrast to the humble apartment Logan had shared with Amelia. Ancient architecture blended seamlessly with modern security systems, and the gardens were maintained by a small army of staff who moved like shadows, never disturbing their master's privacy.

Logan sat in his study, still wearing the same work clothes from the warehouse confrontation, while Commander Chen stood at attention beside a massive oak desk.

"The intelligence reports are troubling, Master," Chen said, spreading several manila folders across the polished surface. "Dark forces are mobilizing across all four regions. The Shadow Syndicate has been recruiting heavily, and there are whispers of an ancient enemy returning."

Logan's eyes scanned the documents with practiced efficiency. "How long before they make their move?"

"Our sources estimate three months, maybe less," Chen replied grimly. "The country needs the Grandmaster to return to active duty. The regional governors are already requesting your presence."

"And what of the smaller threats?" Logan asked, closing one folder and opening another.

"Mostly contained, but Master..." Chen hesitated. "I still cannot comprehend what happened with your former wife. She rejected the very person who could save her life."

Logan's expression remained impassive. "Explain."

"The Crimson Death poison," Chen continued, his voice filled with disbelief. "No medical technology on earth can neutralize it. Only your divine healing powers, inherited from the Great Master, can purge such toxins. And she... she threw it all away for a man like Darien Blackwood."

"Her choice," Logan said simply.

"But Master, she'll be dead within six months! The poison will consume her from the inside, turning her organs to mush. She'll suffer agonies that would make Aaron's broken bones seem like a pleasant massage!"

Logan stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the city lights below. "She made her decision. I will not force salvation on someone who doesn't want it."

Chen shook his head in amazement. "It's like watching someone choose to be devoured by parasites when they could live as a queen. The foolishness is beyond human comprehension."

The next evening, the Grand Celestial Hotel buzzed with activity as the city's elite gathered for Samantha Richards' twenty-first birthday celebration. The ballroom had been transformed into a glittering paradise of crystal and gold, with ice sculptures and flower arrangements that cost more than most people's annual salaries.

Outside the hotel, a parade of luxury vehicles deposited guests adorned in designer gowns and custom tailored suits. Each arrival was accompanied by servants carrying elaborately wrapped gifts, as word had spread that Mayor Richards would award a special prize to whoever brought the most expensive present.

"Did you see the Winthrops' gift?" whispered a socialite in diamonds to her companion. "A vintage wine collection worth half a million!"

"That's nothing," her friend replied smugly. "The Henderson family brought a rare painting from their private collection. It's valued at over two million!"

Near the entrance, Darien Blackwood stepped out of a gleaming Rolls Royce, his arm linked with Amelia's. Both were dressed in outfits that cost more than most people's cars, and their gift—a jewelry set from a famous European designer—glittered in an ornate box carried by their personal assistant.

"I still can't believe we had to cancel our honeymoon for this," Amelia complained, adjusting her diamond necklace. "A mayor's daughter's birthday party? We should be in Monaco by now."

"Darling, you have to think strategically," Darien replied smoothly. "Mayor Richards controls half the city's development contracts. One evening of playing nice could lead to billions in business opportunities."

"I suppose," Amelia sighed. "But these political gatherings are so tedious. Everyone pretending to care about some spoiled rich girl's birthday."

As they entered the ballroom, other guests immediately flocked to them, eager to curry favor with the Blackwood family's wealth and influence.

"Congratulations on your wedding!" gushed a woman in pearls. "Such a beautiful ceremony! Though I must say, that unfortunate incident with the delivery man was quite... dramatic."

Darien's jaw tightened slightly. "A minor pest problem. Nothing more."

"Like swatting a particularly annoying fly," Amelia added with a cruel laugh. "Some insects just don't know when they're not wanted."

"Speaking of insects," another guest joined the conversation, "did you hear about Aaron Blackwood? Word is he's in the hospital with multiple broken bones. Some kind of accident at his warehouse."

"My cousin has always been careless," Darien said dismissively. "Probably tripped over his own feet like the clumsy cockroach he is."

The crowd laughed at his apparent wit, though several guests exchanged knowing glances. Rumors about what really happened at the warehouse were already spreading through the city's underground networks.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Mayor Richards' voice boomed through the ballroom as he took the stage. "Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate my daughter's special day!"

Applause filled the room as all eyes turned toward the grand staircase at the far end of the ballroom.

"Please join me in welcoming the birthday girl herself—my daughter, Samantha Richards!"

The crowd erupted in admiring gasps as Samantha descended the marble staircase. She wore a flowing gown of midnight blue silk that complemented her dark hair perfectly, and her natural beauty was enhanced by subtle makeup that made her look like a princess from a fairy tale.

"Absolutely stunning!" called out an elderly businessman.

"The most beautiful woman in the city!" declared another guest.

"Not just beautiful, but brilliant too," added a political figure. "The youngest congresswoman in state history! A true prodigy!"

"She's going to be running this city before she's thirty," predicted another admirer.

Samantha smiled graciously as she reached the bottom of the staircase, accepting the praise with practiced elegance. But those who knew her well could see that something was missing—her smile didn't reach her eyes, and she kept glancing toward the entrance as if waiting for someone.

"Thank you all for coming tonight," Samantha said, her voice carrying easily across the ballroom. "Your presence makes this celebration truly special."

More applause followed, along with calls of "Happy birthday!" from the crowd.

"Now," Mayor Richards announced with theatrical flair, "as promised, we'll be presenting a special award to whoever brought the most generous gift tonight!"

The guests began murmuring excitedly, each confident their present would win the prize.

"The Blackwood family's jewelry set is exquisite," someone called out.

"But the Henderson painting is worth millions!" countered another voice.

"What about the rare book collection from the Morrison estate?"

As the debate continued, Samantha continued to scan the crowd, her expression growing more disappointed with each passing moment. She smiled and nodded at the appropriate times, played her role as the gracious hostess, but her heart clearly wasn't in the celebration.

"Darling, you look distracted," her father whispered as he approached. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine, Dad," Samantha replied, though her eyes never stopped searching the room. "Just... hoping all our guests arrive safely."

Mayor Richards followed her gaze toward the entrance and understanding dawned on his face. "You're waiting for him, aren't you?"

Before Samantha could respond, a subtle change rippled through the crowd near the ballroom's main entrance. Conversations faltered, heads turned, and an expectant hush began to spread across the room.

A familiar figure stepped through the doorway, and suddenly Samantha's entire demeanor transformed. Her face lit up with genuine joy for the first time that evening, and her smile became radiant enough to outshine every crystal chandelier in the room.

Logan had arrived….