Chapter 133

Suddenly Drax approached, his steps casual but his grin playful, hands tucked in his coat pockets. His sharp eyes flicked toward Jaden, voice laced with mock offense.

"Boss, you're too biased," Drax said, shaking his head.

"Why do you never give me the fun jobs—the ones that actually need thinking?"

Jaden didn't even look his way as he flipped the notebook shut with a soft snap. His voice came cool, cutting, effortless.

"When have you ever been caught using your brain?” Jaden fired back, lips curling in amusement. "you're too dumb for smart jobs." he added.

Drax clutched his chest, staggering back like he'd been shot, then burst into laughter.

"Damn... You're cold." He recovered quickly, eyes glinting with mischief.

"How about this? Since you love thinking so much, I'll leave the messy aftermath to you."

Before Drax could reply, Hope cut in, sidling up beside them, arms crossed, a teasing smirk on her lips.

"You silly bastard, handling the mess suits you." She gave Drax a playful shove, eyes sparkling.

"Let me and the boss handle the important stuff.”

Drax grunted, more amused than annoyed, but the conversation shifted when Fate's eyes narrowed, locked onto Hope like a hawk circling prey.

Who is this woman? Fate fumed silently, jealousy simmering beneath her calm facade.

And how the hell is she so close to Brother Jaden?

Her fists clenched unconsciously at her sides, jaw tightening. Anthony, sharp as ever, caught the flicker of envy in his daughter's eyes and smiled knowingly.

Time to help my little girl out, he thought.

Anthony's tone was smooth, deliberate as he broke the tension.

“Brother Jaden," he started, voice steady, carrying just enough curiosity to shift focus.

"I heard you're participating in this year's Bloodborne Trial."

Jaden finally turned his attention toward Anthony, his expression unreadable as usual, the weight of his presence cutting through the group like a blade.

"Yeah," Jaden confirmed simply.

"I'll be representing the Winston family."

Anthony chuckled, his eyes bright with intrigue.

“Hah... Winston Donald's lucky to have you in his corner." Anthony's tone turned lighter, more casual.

"Coincidentally, I'm sending someone to represent my family too. A martial artist." He tapped his chin thoughtfully, then smiled.

"Why don't you come with us? It's a long trip-you'll have company, at least."

Jaden's brow lifted, mild curiosity breaking through his usual stoicism.

"Where's the trial being held this time?"

Anthony made a wide gesture toward the east, his expression animated.

"Each Bloodborne Trial has to be outside Ravenmoor-keeps things neutral, fair.” He grinned, eyes glinting with anticipation.

"This year? It's happening on a cruise ship... drifting through the Eastern Sea."

Hope's eyes lit up, excitement crackling through her like electricity. She shot forward, grabbing onto Jaden's wrist, her voice practically vibrating.

"A cruise ship? Boss, you have to take me!" Her grip tightened.

"I want in—I want to fight too!"

Before Jaden could respond, Fate slipped in, her smile sharp as glass, fingers curling around Jaden's other arm.

"You? Please,” Fate scoffed, voice dripping with hidden venom masked behind sweet tones.

"You don't even know the way." She tilted her head, eyes cutting toward Hope. "I'll take Brother Jaden myself."

Hope's expression snapped, eyes narrowing.

“And who knows where you'd drag him off to?” Hope fired back, tightening her grip possessively.

"You're not qualified—”

"Neither are you "

The two women squared off, voices rising, their tug-of-war pulling Jaden slightly between them. Their hands gripped each of his arms, neither willing to let go, the tension palpable.

Drax watched with open amusement, leaning against a broken pillar.

"This is getting good..."

Anthony chuckled under his breath, observing the scene like a man watching a storm brew.

Jaden exhaled slowly, entirely unfazed, his gaze sharp as ever as the two women continued their silent war over him.

“Boss... who are you taking?" Hope demanded, eyes burning with defiance.

“Yeah... Brother Jaden... who's it going to be?" Fate echoed, her grip tightening.

Both their voices overlapped, heated, expectant.

Jaden frowned in annoyance as he pulled his arms away. "I actually remember my Aunty will be taking little Kelvin abroad for his treatment and the flight is today I need to see her off. Jaden said walking away it was the perfect excuse to leave.

"Boss wait for me!" Drax said running after him.

Jaden's brow twitched, clear irritation flashing across his face With a swift motion, he yanked his arms free from their grip, his voice

dry an

laced with that signature.

calm ruthlessness.

"Suddenly remembered... my aunt's taking little Kelvin abroad for treatment." His

eyes narrowed slightly.

"Flight's today. Can't miss seeing

them off. I'm almost late too."

Without waiting for a res

he

turned on his heel, already walking"

away. The perfect excuse-clean,

effective, no drama.

“Boss! Wait for me don't leave your most loyal soldier behind!" Drax shouted,

jogging after him like a stray trying to keep up.

Hope stomped her foot, glaring after Jaden with frustration bubbling in her voice.

"Ugh! The boss is too sly-don't run away now!"

Fate's eyes sharpened, but she bolted after them, voice crisp with urgency.

“Brother Jaden, wait— I'm coming too!"

They tried to go after him but Jaden didn't wait for them.

"hahahaha" Anthony chuckled clutching his chest as he watched the two women go

off.