The King Of War Returns

Arrogant Stranger

“You’re not important enough to know what’s inside,” Jaden said coldly, his grip tightening on Xavier’s wrist like a vice. “Just go fetch Agatha Thornfell. This gift is for her.”

Xavier gritted his teeth, veins bulging as he tried to break free, but it was like trying to move a mountain.

What the hell is this strength? he thought. It’s like his hand is forged from iron!

With a final squeeze, Jaden released him. Xavier staggered backward and crashed into a table, splintering it into pieces as he hit the ground.

High above in the VIP lounge, Derek Thornfell leaned over the railing, glaring down at the commotion. Elder Dusk stood beside him, silent and composed, his silver-streaked beard catching the light.

“Who is that bastard?” Derek hissed. “Ruining my engagement party like this?”

Elder Dusk sipped his tea, unmoved. “A fly buzzing in the wrong room. If security fails, I’ll swat him myself.”

Derek smirked. With Elder Dusk at his side, he felt invincible.

Below, Xavier groaned as guards rushed to help him.

“Are you alright, sir?” one asked.

“Forget me, you idiots!” Xavier barked. “Tear that bastard apart!”

A dozen guards closed in on Jaden, batons drawn, when a voice cut through the tension.

“Stop.”

A woman stepped into view—tall, shapely, draped in a skin-tight red dress that left little to the imagination. Every step she took was slow, calculated, seductive. It was Lady Mary, PR Director of White’s Prestigious Hotel—known as much for her looks as for her ability to calm unruly VIPs.

“Lady Mary,” Xavier muttered, rising shakily.

She ignored him and turned to Jaden, flashing a practiced smile. “Good evening, sir. I’m Lady Mary. I understand there’s been some... confusion. Can you tell me what’s wrong?”

However Jaden didn't even look at her twice. “I want to see Agatha, I brought a gift for her.” He said.

“Miss Agatha isn't available at the moment, but you can give me the gist I'll make sure it reaches to her”

Her voice was honey-sweet, her hand reaching toward the urn as if she were plucking a flower.

Smack!

Her body twisted midair and slammed against the floor with a thud.

“Don’t touch that,” Jaden said flatly. “Not even you are worthy.”

A stunned silence followed. The seductive smile vanished from Mary’s face, replaced with pure outrage.

“You… you hit me?” she gasped, staggering to her feet. “Do you know who I am?!”

Before Jaden could respond, a stocky man stormed in, his round belly bouncing with each step. His forehead was slick with sweat, his voice loud enough to rattle the windows.

“Mary! What happened? Are you alright?”

It was Alex, the hotel manager—small in stature but loud in temper, and hopelessly obsessed with Mary.

“He struck me!” Mary said, fake tears forming in her eyes. “This lunatic dared to lay hands on me!”

Alex’s face turned beet red. He spun to the guards.

“You morons! You just stood there?!”

Slap!

His hand struck Xavier across the face. “What the hell am I paying you for?!”

“I—I’m sorry, sir…”

“I don’t want your sorry! I want results! Get this bastard out of here!”

He pointed a trembling finger at Jaden. “You! Get on your knees and apologize to Lady Mary. Do it now, or I’ll make sure you don’t leave this hotel in one piece!”

But Jaden didn’t even flinch.

He swirled the wine in his glass, eyes distant. In his mind, he saw the past—his little sister running through these halls, laughter echoing off the walls. His mother humming while decorating the living room. This had been their home… until Agatha tore it all down.

“I’m talking to you, punk!” Alex shouted, stepping closer. “Are you deaf?!”

Still nothing. Jaden sipped the wine.

Alex lost it.

“Beat him down!”

The guards surged forward.