THE DRAGON SON IN LAW RETURNS

Chapter 8- The dragon Awakens

The Presidential Gala was everything the Harrisons had dreamed of—and more.

The Grand Palace Hotel had been transformed into a glittering wonderland. Crystal chandeliers cast light across marble floors. As a orchestra played softly in the background.

Waiters in white gloves circulated with champagne and hors d'oeuvres that cost more per bite than most people spent on dinner.

And everywhere were the powerful elite of the nation.

"Is that the Prime Minister?" Derek whispered, star-struck.

"And the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court," Jonathan added. "Oh my God, there's Chen Wei—the billionaire tech mogul!"

Margaret was practically hyperventilating.

"This is incredible. We're actually here. We're actually mingling with these people!"

Sophia held tight to Marcus's arm as they navigated the crowd. The promise ring on her finger caught the light, drawing admiring glances. She felt like a princess—beautiful, desired, exactly where she belonged.

"Remember," Marcus whispered to her. "When you meet important people tonight, smile, be charming, but let me do most of the talking. These relationships take time to build."

"Of course," Sophia agreed. She was still learning this world—the world of real power and influence.

A world Ethan could never have given her.

They were directed to their seats in Section B—good seats, but not great. They could see the stage clearly, but they were surrounded by mid-level executives and minor politicians.

The really important people—the billionaires, the cabinet members, the military elite—were seated in Section A, closer to the stage.

"Why aren't we in Section A?" Derek complained to Marcus.

"These things take time," Marcus replied smoothly. "Harrison Industries is growing, but we're not quite in that tier yet. Give it a year or two. After our manufacturing expansion succeeds, you'll be front row at events like this."

The family settled into their seats, buzzing with excitement.

At exactly 9:00 PM, the lights dimmed. A hush fell over the massive ballroom.

The President of the nation walked onto the stage, flanked by military officers in dress uniforms. He was a distinguished man in his sixties, radiating authority and gravitas.

"Ladies and gentlemen," his voice boomed through the sound system. "Thank you for joining us tonight for the 75th Annual Presidential Gala. This evening, we gather not just to celebrate our nation's achievements, but to honor those who've made extraordinary contributions to our country's safety, prosperity, and future."

Applause rippled through the crowd.

"Tonight, I have the distinct privilege of presenting our nation's highest military honor—the Star of Valor. This award has been given only twelve times in our history, to individuals who've demonstrated exceptional courage, strategic brilliance, and unwavering dedication to protecting our nation."

The screens around the ballroom lit up with images of previous recipients—generals who'd won wars, heroes who'd saved thousands of lives.

"Tonight, we add a thirteenth name to that legendary list," the President continued. "A man whose contributions to our national security cannot be fully disclosed for reasons of state secrecy. But I can tell you this: five years ago, when enemy forces threatened our northern borders, this man led a campaign that prevented what would have been the deadliest conflict in our nation's history."

The audience leaned forward, captivated.

"Three years ago, when a terrorist organization planned to detonate a nuclear device in our capital city, this man infiltrated their organization and prevented the attack—saving millions of lives."

Gasps echoed through the ballroom.

"And just last year, when economic warfare threatened to collapse our financial system, this man used his considerable business acumen to stabilize our markets and protect our citizens' savings."

The President paused, letting the weight of those accomplishments sink in.

"This man is a warrior. A strategist. A guardian who operates in shadows so that we may live in light. He commands the legendary Dragon Guards—five of the most elite soldiers ever to serve our nation. Together, they've toppled dictatorships, prevented wars, and eliminated threats before most of us even knew they existed."

The audience was completely silent now, hanging on every word.

"He is also," the President continued, "the founder and CEO of Atlas Empire—a trillion-dollar conglomerate that employs over two million people worldwide and has become one of the driving forces of our national economy."

Sophia felt her stomach drop. A trillion dollars? That was impossible. There were only a handful of people in the world with that kind of wealth.

"For three years, this man has lived in anonymity, conducting sensitive operations that required absolute secrecy. But tonight, his mission is complete. Tonight, we can finally acknowledge him publicly."

The President looked directly at the camera, his expression solemn and proud.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my profound honor to present the Star of Valor to Supreme Dragon Commander, CEO of Atlas Empire, Guardian of the Nation..."

The screens around the ballroom suddenly filled with images. Military campaigns. Business achievements. Newspaper headlines about Atlas Empire's incredible success—always attributed to the mysterious "Mr. Cole" who refused all interviews and public appearances.

And then—a photograph. A man in military dress uniform, decorated with medals, standing beside world leaders.

Sophia's world stopped spinning.

The face in the photograph was younger, more formal, more powerful-looking. But it was unmistakably, impossibly...

"...ETHAN COLE!"

The ballroom erupted, but not in applause. In disbelief.

Because at that exact moment, the doors at the back of the ballroom opened.

And HE walked in.

Ethan Cole strode down the center aisle in full military regalia, flanked by the Five Dragon Guards—each one a legend in their own right, now revealed to the world. His posture was perfect, his expression commanding. Every eye in the room locked onto him.

This wasn't the garbage collector who'd cleaned their floors.

This wasn't the pathetic son-in-law who'd been mocked and humiliated.

This was a GOD walking among mortals.

In Section B, the Harrison family sat frozen, their faces cycling through expressions of confusion, disbelief, and dawning horror.

Sophia's hand flew to her mouth, the promise ring Marcus had given her suddenly feeling like a shackle.

Margaret made a sound like she was choking.

Richard's face turned the color of old paper.

Derek and Jonathan looked like they'd seen a ghost.

And Marcus Wellington—Marcus Wellington looked like a man watching his entire world collapse.

As Ethan reached the front of the ballroom, every military officer present stood at attention and saluted. Generals with decades of service. Admirals who commanded fleets. Decorated heroes who'd won medals of their own.

All of them saluting HIM.

The President descended from the stage and personally shook Ethan's hand. "Commander Cole. It's an honor to finally acknowledge your service publicly."

"The honor is mine, Mr. President," Ethan replied, his voice carrying clearly through the silent ballroom.

The President opened the wooden box containing the Star of Valor and personally pinned it to Ethan's uniform.

"For your service to the nation, your courage under fire, and your unwavering dedication to protecting our citizens, I present you with the Star of Valor. May God bless you, and may God bless the nation you've protected."

The ballroom exploded into thunderous applause.

Everyone rose to their feet—everyone except the Harrison family, who sat paralyzed in their seats, their minds unable to process what they were witnessing.

Ethan's eyes swept the crowd, Calmly Controlled and Powerful.

And then , deliberately his gaze locked onto Section B.

Onto Sophia and the family that had treated him like garbage for three years.

His expression didn't change. He didn't smile, didn't sneer, didn't show any emotion at all.

But his eyes—his eyes burned with the cold fire of a dragon who'd been caged for far too long.

Sophia felt tears streaming down her face, though she didn't remember starting to cry.

Because in that moment, she understood with absolute, devastating clarity:

She had married a king.

And she had treated him like a beggar.

The dragon had awakened.

And there would be no mercy.