Chapter 167

The chopper blades slowed as the aircraft descended on a private airstrip in Ironvale City. The skyline shimmered beneath the noon sun, but Jaden wasn't focused on the beauty. His eyes sharpened the moment he saw the long line of uniformed soldiers waiting at attention-lined perfectly like chess pieces.

As the chopper door swung open, General Kaelus stepped out first.

“Salute!” barked the commanding officer.

In unison, the soldiers raised their hands in crisp respect. The sound of boots striking the ground in formation echoed sharply across the tarmac.

Jaden stepped out, jaw clenched. He stopped dead. His glare cut through Kaelus like a blade.

"I told you," Jaden growled, low and venomous. "I wanted to keep my presence here under wraps. No parade. No flags. No damn salutes."

Kaelus immediately bowed his head. "My king, I warned the captain. I made it clear. I don't know why he disobeyed."

"I don't care what his excuse is. Dismiss them. Now."

Kaelus turned on his heel without hesitation. "DISMISSED!"

The soldiers scattered immediately, some visibly confused, others pale as if they'd realized they'd crossed a line they shouldn't have.

Jaden didn't wait for the dust to settle.

He turned back to Kaelus. “Let me repeat myself one last time. No recognition. No exposure. While I'm in Ironvale, I'm a ghost."

"Understood, boss," Kaelus said firmly.

Meanwhile, across the city-

In the heart of Ironvale's business district, the penthouse conference room of Helix Group buzzed with tension.

Selena Verrick sat at the head of the sleek marble table, legs crossed, dressed in a tailored black suit that blended elegance with quiet authority. Her long raven hair fell like a curtain over her shoulders, framing a face that was all sharp angles and cold fire. Her tone was calm—but laced with fury.

"I'm not interested, Mr. Raze. This discussion is over." She stood, gathering her tablet and papers.

Across from her sat Declan Raze-sweaty, pig-eyed, and wrapped in an expensive suit he didn't deserve. The layers of perfume he wore couldn't mask the rot beneath

his grin.

"Come on now, Ms. Verrick," Declan said, blocking her path with his stubby arm. "Don't be dramatic. I'm just asking for a little preview. You want this deal or not? Wear the damn lingerie for me. Let me see how it fits on a real woman."

Selena's expression didn't waver, but her fingers tightened around her folder.

"This is a business meeting, not a casting couch. I don't sell myself to close contracts."

Declan's grin widened like a grease stain. "Fifty million in orders, just like that. Plus a bonus tip of one million. Cash. All you have to do is slip into something more... suitable."

Her glare cut like glass. "Get out of my way."

"Oh, come

on. He leaned in closer. "Don't act like you're better than the rest of them. The city's been whispering about your little scandal for years. You think they forgot what happened? What your precious family covered up?"

Selena froze. Her breath caught in her throat. His words hit like a knife to the gut.

Her past. That night.

She thought she'd buried it. She'd spent years clawing her way up from the shadows, rebuilding everything brick by brick. And now this man-this pig-was dragging it out of the grave.

Her voice came out cold and slow. "You crossed the line."

"I haven't even started," Declan hissed. "You think I don't know what you did? That your spotless reputation isn't just a polished lie? You're nothing but damaged goods, Verrick. And now, you'll strip for me, or Hl make damn sure the entire city remembers what you really are."

Selena didn't answer. Her body was stiff, but her eyes flared with rage and something darker-fear.

Declan motioned with his hand. Two bulky bodyguards, suits stretched over muscle and tattoos, stepped forward from behind him their grims were crooked, hungry. Like wolves that hadn't eaten in weeks.

Selena stepped back, her heels clicking against the marble.

"What do you think you're doing?” Her voice trembled despite herself.

Declan stood up slowly. “Just making sure you understand the rules. No woman walks away from me. Not when I want her."

The guards moved in, closing the distance.

Selena's heartbeat thundered in her chest. Her eyes darted to the door-too far.

The panic set in, wrapped around her throat like a noose.

"Don't do this," she warned, voice laced with rising dread.

But Declan Raze just chuckled, low and vile. “Oh, but I will. It's your fault, really. I gave you a choice."

He stepped closer, now inches from her. "And now, Ms. Verrick, I'm going to show you what happens when someone says no to Declan Raze."