2025-05-20 23:57:09
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Chapter 190
Their thoughts were interrupted when Mia tugged at Jaden’s sleeve, her voice soft and tired. “Papa, I’m hungry. When can we eat? They had so much food on their tables earlier... It smelled so good.”She was referring to the lavish spread at Xander’s seventieth birthday banquet. The dining hall had overflowed with rich aromas and elegant plating. Wagyu beef seared to perfection, foie gras on golden toast points, towers of lobster, caviar in crystal bowls, and abalone arranged like art. It wasn’t just extravagant—it was intimidating. Each dish looked like it could devour an entire month’s salary. Some, maybe an entire year’s worth. For most families, it wasn’t food. It was a warning.Selena crouched beside her daughter, brushing back a strand of hair from Mia’s cheek. “Those meals are too expensive, sweetheart. Mama will make you something once we get home, alright?”But Jaden didn’t even glance at her. His eyes were still fixed on the entrance of the hall. “Why do you think we can’t af
Chapter 189
Xander clinked glasses with a group of well-dressed guests, laughter spilling around the banquet hall like fine wine. His mood was light, arrogant, and unbothered—until Elias leaned in beside him.“Dad,” Elias muttered under his breath, “Vane and his family just left. No word. They looked... pissed.”Xander scoffed and waved him off. “Let them go. Who needs dead weight ruining the air?”“But—”“They gave me trash for a birthday present. A broken pill? What kind of mockery is that?” His voice dropped to a bitter growl. “That wasn’t a gift. That was a curse. Let them starve. I’d rather feed the leftovers to the strays out back.”He turned away, wine swirling in his glass, his smile returning as though the Thornfells had never existed.---Outside the hotel, the air was thick with resentment.Nora spun toward Jaden the moment they hit the parking lot. “Brilliant. That was your idea of a gift? That pathetic pill? You just painted a target on all our backs. Did you see the way they treated
Chapter 188
Rage simmered beneath the surface of Vane’s face. His fists were clenched at his sides, knuckles pale. Nora looked like she was holding her breath, trying not to crack. Selena kept her chin high, though her arms tightened around Mia, pulling the child closer to her chest like a shield from the stares burning holes into them.Jaden stepped forward.He didn’t rush. He bent slowly, picked up the broken pill from the floor, and turned it over in his palm. The room fell quiet again, curious.“This tiny thing?” Jaden said evenly, voice low but sharp enough to cut through the buzz. “One day, when your pride’s been stripped and your bodies start failing you, you’ll remember this moment. And you’ll crawl for what you just tossed aside.”He met Williams' eyes. “That same mouth laughing now will be the one begging next.”Elias scoffed and waved a hand. “Come off it. A shattered pill? You trying to sell snake oil now?” He laughed, loud and mocking. “We’re not idiots. Keep that crap to yourself.”
Chapter 187
Hall, Celestial HotelThe entire hall had been transformed for Xander Verrick’s seventieth birthday. Fifty tables, draped in silk and surrounded by polished chairs, filled the space. Crystal chandeliers lit the room in a warm glow, and the air was thick with perfume, champagne, and power.Waitstaff moved in crisp uniforms, directing guests and managing the flood of expensive gifts at the reception.Xander stood near the grand entrance, suited in a deep charcoal ensemble, his gray hair slicked back. Despite his age, he still carried himself like a man who owned the city. On either side were his sons, Elias and Aiden, both equally well-dressed, their expressions carefully neutral as they greeted guests.A staff member read off gift announcements like a town crier.“From Mr. David Joned of Green Corporation: an original Monet painting. 'Happy birthday to Mr. Xander Verrick.'”A ripple of impressed murmurs.“From Mr. Zenith Oxford of Hunter Property Group: a century-old Pine Bonsai Tree.
Chapter 186
The following day.Selena adjusted her earrings in front of the mirror, trying not to let the nerves show on her face. Today was the day. Xander Verrick’s seventieth birthday banquet. The one event in high society that could make or break reputations overnight.For Selena and her family, it was a high-stakes performance—especially after what had happened recently.Everyone was dressed to impress. Her father had pulled out his only designer suit. Her mother kept adjusting the sleeves of her rented evening gown. Even her younger brother had shaved for the first time in weeks.But just as they were about to step out the front door, Selena froze.“The gift,” she said, her voice sharp with panic. “Jaden—did you bring the gift?”She turned around so fast her earring almost flew off. Her mother gasped. Her father cursed under his breath.A beat passed.Then Jaden reached calmly into his inner coat pocket and pulled out a small, worn-out box.“Right here,” he said with a quiet smile.Selena b
Chapter 185
“Dad, since tomorrow’s your seventieth, why don’t we use it to make a statement?”Xander looked up from his reading glasses, not responding yet.Elias continued, “Publicly bar Vane and his disgrace of a family from attending. Announce it in front of everyone. Make it clear—they’re no longer part of the Verrick bloodline.”Aiden smirked and picked up the thread. “Exactly. Imagine the humiliation if they show up at the banquet, parading around like they still belong. We’d be the laughingstock of every guest there.”He gave a short laugh. “It’s your milestone celebration. We can’t have stains like them ruin it.”Xander said nothing for a beat. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk before he finally looked up, sharp-eyed and unamused.“Let them come.”Elias’s brow furrowed. “Dad?”Aiden looked visibly disappointed.But Xander's voice was calm and deliberate. “Declan Raze already stepped back. If we go the extra mile to exile them now, what will the others say? That we’re petty?
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