Chapter 139

Just as Jaden's words settled like a sharp blade in the air, the guard returned,

walking swiftly—this time flanked by several men in dark uniforms. Their polished shoes clicked rhythmically on the marble floor, but the one leading them commanded all the attention.

Captain Kelvin.

The man's broad shoulders and military posture made heads turn as he marched closer, his expression unreadable-until his eyes landed on Jaden.

Kelvin froze mid-stride. His pupils dilated in recognition, a cold bead of sweat tracing his temple before he straightened himself and approached. His subordinates followed, glancing at one another in confusion at their captain's sudden hesitation.

Then, to James' utter disbelief, Kelvin's stern expression cracked into one of forced politeness-tinged with fear. He extended his hand respectfully toward Jaden.

"M-My King..." Kelvin's voice trembled despite his best effort to appear composed. "I... I wasn't expecting you to grace our humble event. It's... truly an honor to have you here."

Jaden's icy gaze drifted down to Kelvin's trembling hand, then flicked back to meet his eyes.

"Are you... worthy enough to shake my hand?" Jaden asked, voice low, calm—yet dripping with quiet disdain.

Kelvin's face blanched.

His extended hand recoiled immediately, fingers curling awkwardly into a fist as his composure crumbled. A nervous chuckle escaped him. "O-Of course not... I didn't mean to overstep, sir... hah... forgive me..."

James' jaw hung open, his mind racing to comprehend what he was witnessing.

“Brother Kelvin?" James finally blurted out, bewilderment written all over his face. "What... Why're you acting like this...? He's just "

James' words died in his throat as Kelvin, still drenched in nervous sweat, shot him a dangerous glare.

Kelvin forced another shaky smile, turning back to Jaden. “It's... just that I didn't expect to see you here. That's all. Please excuse my reaction..."

James, still stuck in his own arrogance, muttered under his breath, "What the hell's going on...? Why's Brother Kelvin bowing to some random white kid..."

Before James could sink deeper into his foolishness, Jaden's gaze snapped back to him, sharp as a blade.

"So..." Jaden's voice cut through the tension like ice. "Do you... have a grudge against me?"

James flinched, confusion warring with dread. “Huh? I—”

Kelvin's eyes widened in horror. His gaze whipped toward James, panic etched across his face.

"Wait..... What's happening here..... Did you offend Master Jaden Rift?!" Kelvin's voice boomed with disbelief, turning cold in an instant.

James blinked. His lips quivered. "W-What...? J-Jaden Rift...? You're that Jaden Rift...? The one who ended the... the Gravesend Syndicate...?"

His legs buckled. His face turned pale.

Before James could utter another word, a crack echoed across the hall.

Kelvin's palm collided with James' cheek, snapping his head sideways. The sound rang out like a gunshot, silencing nearby chatter as heads turned.

"You brainless bastard!" Kelvin snarled, eyes ablaze with fury. "You dare utter his name like you're equals? Call him-call him 'Grandfather!" His voice shook with both fear and rage.

Jaden, still as a statue, smiled faintly, fanning the flames.

"I don't recall having a grandson who wanted me to kneel before him," Jaden

quipped, his voice carrying both mockery and quiet dominance.

Kelvin's face contorted in rage. “What?!”

BAM!

Without warning, Kelvin slammed his fist into James' face, sending him sprawling to the polished floor.

A series of brutal kicks followed-each one laced with the frustration of nearly dragging his own head to the chopping block. James curled up, yelping, blood trickling from his mouth.

"You reckless fool!" Kelvin barked between strikes. "If you want to die, fine-but don't drag others down with you!"

Kelvin straightened, brushing his uniform as he barked orders at his men.

"Throw this trash overboard. Let him swim his way back to shore!"

Two guards hoisted the battered, sniveling James by his arms, dragging him across the floor like a sack of meat.

“Please! Please, I'm sorry-brother, Master, Grandfather, whatever you want! I can't swim-please don't!" James wailed, sobbing hysterically as they dragged him out.

Kelvin exhaled heavily, composing

himself before turning to Jaden with the utmost respect. "Master Jaden please... don take this fool's ignorance personally. Let me escort you inside. You deserve better than this nonsense."

Jaden simply nodded.

They entered the banquet hall-a lavish space filled with dazzling chandeliers; gold accents, and a symphony of clinking glasses and laughter Couples swayed to elegant music while the elite mingled over wine and whispered deals.

Kelvin gestured toward the room with forced cheer. "If you see a woman you like,

just say the word. The prettiest ones here would fight each other for the chance to sit beside you."

Jaden's expression remained unreadable as he sank into a plush leather sofa.

"Not interested," Jaden replied simply, his voice devoid of amusement.

Kelvin nodded hurriedly, bowing slightly before stepping back. "Understood... If you

need anything—anything at all—just summon me."

With that, Kelvin and his men melted away into the crowd.

Meanwhile...

Across the hall, Fate stood by her father, her silk gown shimmering under the warm lights. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the bustling crowd.

“I heard Jaden Rift is here," Fate said coolly, her gaze sweeping across the room like a hawk. "Where is he?"

Beside her, an older man with a weathered face and rigid posture leaned in—the infamous Master Reuben, the Scarface family's representative for the upcoming Bloodborne Trials.

"Fate... focus," Reuben urged, his

voice gravelly. “You need to spend time with Mr. Danny tonight. He's aligned with your family's interests-he can build powerful connections for us."

"I don't care about business pawns,” Fate replied sharply, her eyes never leaving

the crowd. "I'm only here for Jaden. Handle your 'connections' yourself."

Reuben's face darkened, his patience thinning. “Child, that lover of yours is a dangerous gamble. Danny's the better option—for now."

But Fate's eyes lit up suddenly, interrupting him.

“Found him,” she declared with quiet triumph, her gaze locking onto Jaden across

the hall.

Without waiting for Reuben's response, she turned, gliding toward Jaden.