The Charismatic God of War

Chapter 4

“Where is he?”

“He doesn’t like to reveal his identity or stand out. He prefers to blend in with everyone else because he’s a humble man.”

Thayer smiled at the sincere compliment. Abner wasn’t just his assistant; he was a true friend. Without him, Thayer wouldn’t have received such great honor today.

“We brought gifts for him. How should we present them?”

“He despises hypocrisy.” Abner’s gaze swept sharply across the room. “The General knows why you brought those gifts, to get something in return.”

The entire hall fell silent. Even Theodore and Vivian froze. How did Thayer know that the General hated gifts? The man seemed so intelligent, almost as if he could read minds.

Theo and Vivian felt a sense of relief.

“However, the General does enjoy listening to someone sing. Does anyone want to sing for him?”

Everyone exchanged confused looks. Most of the guests were between fifty and seventy years old. None of them would dare to sing in front of the General.

“Didn’t you say your voice was beautiful, babe? Go on,” Thayer teased softly.

“I’m not confident,” Arabella whispered nervously.

“It’s fine. I’m sure the General will love your voice.”

“But...”

“Trust me.” Thayer squeezed her hand, his tone gentle and reassuring.

Arabella took a deep breath. She wanted to thank the General for respecting her husband, even though he was just an ordinary soldier.

When she stood up, all eyes turned to her. She walked to the stage and faced the audience. Closing her eyes, she began to sing. Her voice was pure and enchanting, wrapping the entire hall in silence. When the song ended, she bowed gracefully. The audience erupted in warm applause.

“Your voice is wonderful,” Abner said with a faint smile. “The General says he loved it. He wants to give you a reward. Is there something you’d like?”

Everyone waited eagerly for her answer.

“Come on, tell him to form a partnership with us,” Vivian whispered from her seat. Theodore nodded in agreement.

Thayer shook his head, clearly annoyed. They were so greedy.

“Hmm… I just want…” Arabella’s eyes moved nervously across the guests, stopping when she met her mother’s sharp gaze.

“The General promised he’ll grant any request of yours, even if you asked for half of his wealth.”

The crowd gasped. How could the General be that generous to her? Who exactly was she?

“I just want to thank the General for inviting my family and me, even though we don’t deserve it. We’re already grateful just to be here at such a prestigious event.”

Abner was stunned. He had expected her to ask for gold, diamonds, or money. No wonder his boss was so fascinated by her.

Vivian’s eyes widened in disbelief. Was Arabella insane? This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to change their fate.

“Idiot,” Vivian muttered under her breath.

Abner smiled. “The General is deeply impressed by you, Miss. In return, he promises to protect you, no matter what happens.”

Arabella smiled gently. “Please tell him I said thank you.” She returned to her seat as everyone watched her in admiration.

Not long after, the event ended.

Inside the taxi, tension filled the air.

“Are you insane? Why did you turn down the General’s offer? What was the point of raising you?” Vivian shouted.

“She’s right! Don’t you care about our lives? Do you want us to stay poor forever?” Theodore barked.

“I’m sorry, Dad, Mom. I just felt ashamed to ask for something big when all I did was sing.”

“Shame won’t make you rich!” Vivian snapped. “You’re such bad luck. If only I had a son like Dominic, he’d make us rich by now!”

Arabella fell silent.

“Is money more important than your daughter’s feelings?” Thayer finally spoke, unable to stay quiet any longer.

“Shut up! Don’t interfere! You’re just as useless as she is!” Vivian glared at him with hatred.

Thayer clenched his fists but forced himself to stay calm. If he lost control, Arabella would only suffer more.

When they arrived at the Lennox mansion, they were shocked to see their suitcases already on the porch.

“Why are our suitcases out here?” Theodore asked in confusion.

“Get out of here now!” Irene barked.

“What do you mean?” Vivian protested.

“Father kicked you out for embarrassing us!”

Vivian nearly fainted from shock.

“We didn’t embarrass you. You embarrassed yourselves,” Thayer said firmly. “I warned you about this.”

“Shut your mouth!” Jonas yelled, pointing at Thayer. “Grandfather kicked you out because Arabella chose to stay with you. Remember that!”

“That’s impossible,” Vivian whispered in disbelief, her eyes filling with tears. They had no money, and Theodore didn’t even have a job.

“Grandfather’s just angry. Once I talk to him, he’ll forgive us,” Theodore said weakly.

“I won’t allow you to see him. His heart condition got worse because of you!” Irene shouted.

Both Theodore and Vivian fell silent.

“But Grandfather is still willing to give you another chance,” Kane said as he walked in, a smug smile on his face.

“Kane, you’re a lifesaver! We’ll do whatever it takes!” Vivian exclaimed eagerly.

“If Arabella divorces Thayer, Grandfather will forgive you.”

Arabella froze in shock.

“Don’t worry. She’ll divorce him,” Vivian snapped, glaring at her daughter. “Well? What are you waiting for? Do it!”

“Mom, please don’t worry. I’ll take care of you,” Thayer said calmly.

“Nonsense! Do you think you can buy me a mansion or a luxury car? I refuse to live in poverty!” Vivian screamed, her face red with anger.

The Lennox family watched with smug satisfaction. This was payback for what had happened earlier.

“Arabella, divorce him and kick him out!” Theodore shouted.

“But…”

“Do you want us to suffer even more because of you? Haven’t we suffered enough?”

Arabella’s hands trembled. She was torn apart.

“I kept my promise to get you into that event. You can’t force her to divorce me,” Thayer said, his patience thinning.

“I only agreed because I thought you were bluffing. Things are different now,” Vivian spat.

Thayer took Arabella’s hand tightly. “I promise I’ll buy you a mansion and a luxury car if you stay with me and don’t divorce me.”

Arabella’s eyes filled with tears. It sounded impossible. But she didn’t want to lose the man she loved. Still, she couldn’t ignore her parents’ suffering.

“Don’t listen to him! He can’t even buy you a hundred-dollar pair of shoes!” Ivy mocked.

“She’s right! You only got in earlier by luck!” Samara added.

Irene crossed her arms arrogantly. “You’re pathetic, Arabella. You’ve gone insane defending a poor man who can’t even make you or your family happy. If I were you, I’d marry Spencer.”

“I… I…” Arabella’s voice faltered. She wanted to say she’d divorce him, but the words wouldn’t come out.

“Mommy!” A little girl, about six years old, ran toward her. “Why are you crying, Mommy?” She looked up at the man beside her. “Who’s he, Mom?”

Arabella smiled softly. “He’s your father, sweetheart.”

“Daddy?” Melody’s blue eyes sparkled. “Daddy!” She hugged Thayer’s legs tightly. “I missed you!”

Thayer crouched down and hugged her gently. “I missed you too, sweetie.”

“Please don’t go again, Daddy. My friends always make fun of me because you never take me to school.”

Thayer stroked her blonde hair. “I promise.”

Arabella’s heart melted watching them.

“Arabella! Do it now!” Vivian yelled furiously.

“I’m sorry, Mom.” Arabella wiped her tears. “I’m going with Thayer, no matter what. He and Melody can’t be separated.”

Vivian trembled with rage. Her hands clenched into fists.

Slap.

“You ungrateful child! I regret giving birth to you!” Vivian screamed.

Arabella held back her tears. “I’m sorry.”

Thayer grabbed Arabella’s hand and Melody’s, ready to leave.

“Wait!” Hendrix suddenly appeared, leaning on his cane. “Who gave you permission to take my great-granddaughter? I paid for all of Melody’s care while you were gone. You have no right to take her!” His glare at Thayer was filled with hatred.

“Grandpa, please don’t do this,” Arabella pleaded, her voice breaking. She couldn’t bear to lose her daughter.

“Silence! If you truly care about Melody, you’ll divorce him. He’s not fit to be called a father. He’s irresponsible!”

Arabella froze, unable to speak.

“Hand over Melody!” Hendrix demanded.

“But Father…”

“How about this,” Kane interrupted smugly. “Bring ten million dollars to Grandfather tomorrow. If you don’t, you’ll never see your daughter again. Ever. Deal?”

“Fine!” Thayer snapped, his voice sharp with anger. “I’ll bring the money today.”

Hendrix laughed mockingly. “Impossible. Even if you sold your organs, you’d never make that much.”

“We’ll see,” Thayer said coldly. “Let’s find out whose words will prove true.”