Chapter 175

Jaden's gaze swept over Landon Krane and his wife, both sprawled across the floor like broken dolls. Bloodied. Barely conscious. Still breathing unfortunately.

He turned to Morix Sable, voice low and edged with menace. "Are these two yours?" Morix's face tightened with shame. "Yes, Sir. He's my subordinate. Landon Krane." Jaden's stare turned ice cold. "Then you tell me, Morix. Who the hell gave him the authority to deploy armed forces for no damn reason? Was it you?"

“No, Sir,” Morix said quickly, sweat trailing down his temple. "It was my oversight. My failure. I'll accept full responsibility."

"You're damn right you will." Jaden took a step forward, his boots crunching on broken glass. “When you get back to camp, hand in your resignation. You're not fit for command."

Morix didn't hesitate. He bowed deeply, voice steady but laced with regret. "Yes, Sir. Thank you for the correction. I'll reflect on my mistake."

Jaden studied him for a moment, then gave a brief nod. "At least you know when to shut up and own it."

Turning away, Morix rounded on the couple groaning at his feet. His patience was gone. His voice roared across the room.

"You two! Get on your knees and apologize, now! If you piss off my Sir again, I'll make sure you're in the morgue by midnight!"

Landon Krane and his wife scrambled forward like starving dogs. Blood streaked Landon's lips, his left eye swollen shut. They dropped to their knees before Jaden, trembling.

"Please, Sir... we-we were wrong," Landon stammered, choking on the words. "We were blinded by pride. Please... forgive us.....”

Jaden's expression didn't flicker. He pointed toward the corner of the room where Selena stood with Mia clinging to her leg.

"You're barking up the wrong tree. Go apologize to my wife and daughter."

They turned and crawled toward Selena and Mia, desperate and sobbing.

"Mrs. Rift, Ms. Rift... we're sorry. We let our arrogance poison our judgment. Please... show mercy. We were fools. Blind, stupid fools."

Selena, who had been stiff and silent, finally exhaled. Her heart wasn't made of stone. Fear and fury had passed. What remained was compassion, perhaps too easily given.

She turned to Jaden, her voice soft but firm. "They've been punished enough. Let's not drag it out. If they've truly repented, maybe... just this once, give them a chance."

Jaden looked at her. That ice in his eyes melted slightly.

"If that's what you want, my dear." His lips curled into a faint smile rare and sincere.

Selena's cheeks flushed.

Morix didn't miss the shift in atmosphere. The moment Selena forgave them, it was

over.

“Didn't you hear her?” he barked. “Get the hell out of here before I change my mind!"

The broken couple didn't wait to be told twice. Dragging their sniveling fat son behind them, they stumbled toward the exit like survivors fleeing a battlefield. None dared to look back.

Morix turned to Jaden, offering politely, "Would you honor us with a welcome banquet tonight? The city council would "

Jaden cut him off. "No need. I want time with my family. That's all.”

Morix bowed with understanding and vanished into the background like a good soldier.

Jaden lifted Mia into his arms. Her little fingers curled around his collar as they stepped out into the sunlit courtyard.

"You were amazing, Papa,” she beamed, pride glowing in her eyes. "Now no one will ever bully me or Mama again."

Jaden kissed her forehead. "That's a promise, Princess. Anyone who dares will answer to me."

Selena said nothing. Tears slipped down her cheeks-quiet, unspoken tears. Relief. Gratitude Pain she hadn't let ou until now. She watched her daughter's joy, felt the warmth of Jaden's hand on her back, and said nothing. But in her silence, there was everything.

Eastwood Rise - lower downtown, old city zone

Selena lived in a crumbling six-story walk-up at the edge of Eastwood Rise. The building smelled of mold and old oil No elevators just

iron railed stairs that creaked like

they'd collapse any minute.

Jaden didn't complain. He climbed the six flights with Mia sleeping in his arms and Selena beside him, carrying groceries.

She unlocked the door with a soft sigh. "Come in. It's a bit small and a mess, but... home."

Inside was dim and cramped. Worn-out furniture, faded curtains, and an old heater buzzing in the corner. But it was clean. Lived-in.

In the living room, Vane Verrick sat hunched over a newspaper, reading glasses perched on his nose. He glanced up, and his brow furrowed. Behind him, from the kitchen, came the sound of pots clanging-Nora Verrick, Selena's mother, preparing dinner.

Vane stood slowly, eyes narrowing. His voice was curious, cautious. "And who might

this gentleman be?"

Selena hesitated.

But Mia, ever the bullet-train of truth, piped up brightly.

“He's my Papa, Grandpa! My Papa's back!"

The air snapped tight. Vane's hands froze mid-gesture. He looked from Mia to

Jaden.

Then the newspaper hit the floor.

His expression twisted into something dark. Something that had festered for five long years.

"So," he growled, voice like a blade unsheathing, "you're the bastard who raped my daughter five years ago?"

The silence was explosive.

His glare bore into Jaden like hot steel.

"You're the one who turned our lives into a living hell!"