War God Returns: Lein Ashford

Chapter 003

Meanwhile, at the Anthony Mansion—a luxurious Victorian-style mansion that once belonged to the Ashford family—the atmosphere was full of festivities.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled on the ceiling of the spacious ballroom. Classical music flowed softly from an orchestra in the corner of the room. Dozens of formally dressed guests gathered, holding champagne glasses, laughing and chatting in low voices that sounded elegant.

Tonight was Richard Anthony's 52nd birthday celebration.

And not just any celebration—this was a party attended by the elite of Corholt City. Businessmen, politicians, high officials, and various influential figures.

In the middle of the crowd, Richard Anthony stood in an expensive black suit, a satisfied smile plastered on his face. Beside him, Victoria wore an elegant red dress, looking like the queen of the night. Her arm was linked with a handsome man in his thirties—her boyfriend.

The man was Charles Whitmore, heir to a wealthy family that owned a property business in Corholt City. He smiled broadly while raising his glass.

"Mr. Richard," Charles said in a respectful tone. "Happy birthday. May Anthony Corp continue to grow rapidly. We hope to establish closer cooperation in the future."

Richard smiled with satisfaction, patting Charles's shoulder. "Thank you, Charles. You'll make a good son-in-law."

Victoria smiled sweetly—a fake smile she had perfected over the years.

Margaret stood in the corner, greeting guests warmly. Meanwhile, Edmund Anthony sat in a luxurious armchair, like an old king observing his kingdom with satisfaction.

Other guests joined in praising.

"The honorable Mr. Anthony is truly visionary!"

"One of the Four Great Families of Corholt City! It's truly an honor to be here!"

"We hope to cooperate with Anthony Corp!"

Everyone was trying to flatter. Everyone wanted to make a good impression on the Anthony family.

Because now, the Anthony family had become tycoons—economic rulers of Corholt City.

Richard enjoyed all the praise. He raised his glass, ready to give a speech, when—

A large-bodied security guard approached him quickly, bowed, then whispered softly in his ear.

"Mr. Anthony, sorry to disturb. There's someone outside who wants to see you."

Richard frowned. "Who?"

The guard hesitated. "A... young man, Sir. But his appearance... is very shabby. Worn shirt, torn jeans, carrying an old bag. He doesn't look like an upper-class person at all."

Richard almost laughed. A beggar? At his party?

But his mood was good tonight. Very good. He had just signed a 500 million contract with one of the largest property companies. His life was perfect. His wealth was overflowing.

Why not share a little?

He waved his hand casually. "Let that beggar in. As long as he gives me good wishes, give him some food then tell him to leave. Consider it charity on my birthday."

The guests around him laughed softly, praising Richard's "kindness."

The guard nodded respectfully. "Yes, Sir."

He turned around, ready to return to the entrance.

But before he took three steps—

BANG!

The large ballroom door opened violently, slamming into the wall with a loud sound that echoed throughout the room.

The music stopped.

Everyone fell silent.

All heads turned toward the door.

There, stood a twenty-six-year-old young man. Wrinkled long-sleeved shirt, worn jeans, old bag on his back. His hair was slightly messy.

But his eyes...

His eyes were sharp, cold, and full of blazing fire.

Lein stepped inside with firm steps. Each of his steps sounded loud on the silent marble floor.

Then, his voice thundered—loud, clear, and full of terrifying authority:

"RICHARD! VICTORIA! COME OUT!"

Total silence enveloped the ballroom.

Everyone was frozen. Their mouths open. Their eyes widened in disbelief.

Daring to call the honorable Mr. Anthony by his name?!

Moreover, asking him to come out?!

How bold!

Was he looking for death?!

Richard, who was holding a champagne glass, instantly his face turned dark. His smile disappeared.

Victoria, standing beside him, frowned. Her eyes narrowed at the shabby man.

Wait...

That face...

It couldn't be...

Charles Whitmore, standing next to Victoria, immediately stepped forward with a red face. "How dare you—"

But before he finished speaking, another security guard had already moved.

A muscular man nearly two meters tall stepped quickly from the corner of the room. His name was Marcus—a former soldier, martial arts expert, and one of the Anthony family's best bodyguards. His muscles were clearly visible beneath his black uniform.

"Enough!" Marcus shouted in a booming voice. "How dare you come in and shout like that in front of Mr. Anthony?!"

He stepped quickly toward Lein, his hands already clenched into fists.

"Get out now, or I'll make you leave by force!"

Lein didn't move. Didn't even glance at Marcus.

His eyes were fixed on Richard and Victoria.

Marcus got angrier. He felt insulted. Ignored like dust!

"You're looking for death!"

Marcus threw a hard punch at Lein's face—a punch that had knocked down dozens of people, a punch honed over years on the battlefield.

But—

WHOOSH!

Lein moved.

Fast. Very fast.

His hand caught Marcus's wrist in mid-air, like an eagle catching a snake.

Marcus was shocked. His eyes widened.

Strong! This man's grip... was so strong!

He tried to pull his hand away, but couldn't—it was like being trapped in iron.

Then, Lein twisted Marcus's wrist with a smooth but brutal movement.

CRACK!

The sound of breaking bone was heard clearly throughout the ballroom.

"AAAHHH!"

Marcus screamed in pain, his knees immediately hitting the floor.

But Lein wasn't finished.

With one quick movement, he pulled Marcus, then threw him aside—like throwing an empty sack.

CRASH!

Marcus's body, weighing over 100 kilograms, slammed hard onto the marble floor. His head hit the floor, his eyes rolled back, then he lost consciousness.

Silence.

The entire ballroom was completely silent.

Everyone stared with their mouths wide open. Their eyes bulging in disbelief.

Marcus—one of the Anthony family's best bodyguards, a former soldier who had defeated hundreds of people—was taken down in an instant.

Not even three seconds.

Who... who was this man?!

Lein stood upright again, as if nothing had happened. He casually brushed off his hands, then looked back at Richard and Victoria.

"Richard, Victoria," he said in a cold voice that froze blood. "Long time no see."