Chapter 119

The next Morning at Aunty Martha's house.

The worn dining table creaked slightly as the four of them sat down, Jaden, Aunt Martha, Julie, and little Kelvin. The faint smell of toast and eggs drifted through the modest home, blending with the quiet warmth of family.

Today wasn't just any day—it was Kelvin's birthday.

The boy's pale face brightened with excitement, eyes wide as he clutched the small gift box Julie slid across the table.

"Happy birthday, champ," Julie said with a soft smile. "Hope you like it."

"Thank you, Aunt Julie!" Kelvin grinned, already tearing at the wrapping with eager fingers.

A small, quiet chuckle escaped Jaden, but his sharp eyes never softened fully. The boy's smile was a temporary escape from the storm brewing beneath the surface of this family.

Suddenly, Martha wiped at her face, but the tears were already spilling. Her voice cracked as she whispered, “If... if I could trade my life to cure Kelvin's illness... I'd do it. Gladly."

The room fell silent, tension thickening the air.

Jaden's jaw tightened, his gaze darkening. He leaned back, fingers tapping his chin. "I heard there's a specialist," he finally said. "A top neurologist in Westbridge. If anyone can cure Kelvin's condition-it's them."

Martha shook her head, defeated. “Jaden... Westbridge?" She laughed bitterly. "Do you know what those people charge? Tens of millions... We're barely scraping by as it is."

Her eyes fell to Kelvin, whose frail arms were still struggling with the gift wrap.

"I'm just grateful he's made it this far," Martha whispered, voice heavy with sorrow. "If he can grow up safe... that's enough for me."

Jaden's eyes narrowed. Silent. Calculating.

After a moment, he pulled out a sealed envelope, waving it slightly.

"Aunty... I've been meaning to tell you..." His voice dropped low, steady. "I now hold shares in the Gravesend Group. I forgot all about it... But it's ours. It's enough to—"

SLAM.

The front door slid open, cutting him off.

Matthew swaggered in, smirking like he owned the place.

"Haha, Aunty, I've got great news!" he announced, grin wide.

Then his eyes landed on Jaden—and his whole posture stiffened. The smile cracked. His heart skipped a beat.

"Shit... why he here?” Matthew cursed silently, suddenly aware of the storm seated across the table. Jaden Rift the ghost of violence, the walking nightmare the whole city is talking about.

A nervous chuckle escaped him as he masked the fear.

"M-Matthew? What's the news?" Martha asked, wiping her eyes.

"Ah... nothing special," Matthew said quickly, scratching the back of his head to play

off his unease. “Actually... Uncle sent me to deliver something."

The room chilled instantly.

Jaden's eyes sharpened. Martha's expression soured into pure disgust.

"Don't... call him 'Uncle,"" Martha

snapped, rising to her feet. Her voice was low, but thunderous. "I have no

husband. That bastard left me abandoned his family. He doesn't exist to me."

Julie reached over, gently pulling Kelvin close, shielding his small frame from the sudden tension crackling across the room.

"Hey, hey, Aunty... believe me, I don't want anything to do with him either," Matthew said, hands raised in defense. "But... you should at least see this."

He slid a file across the table.

Jaden didn't move, but his eyes never left Matthew-like a predator watching prey fumble toward its fate.

Martha reluctantly flipped the file open.

Mediation Letter.

Matthew cleared his throat. "Uncle's offering a settlement... $500,000, if you sign the agreement."

Jaden's fingers twitched-still holding his unopened envelope, silent but simmering.

"Half a million," Matthew continued,

flashing a weak grin. "Generous,

right? No, he can't cure Kelvin, but...

with that kind of money? You could eat... live a little easier.

His eyes darted nervously to Jaden, whose expression remained unreadable—but

dangerous.

Martha's hands trembled as they hovered over the document.