Chapter 19

"Aren't you ashamed of bullying helpless people?" Jaden's calm, sharp voice cut through the crowd.

Jaden strolled forward slowly, hands casually tucked in his pockets, his gaze locked on Bob and his men. Each step echoed with quiet menace. Heads turned.

"Oh my God... who is that handsome man?" a young woman gasped.

Murmurs erupted around the market as everyone's eyes followed the mysterious figure. His sleek black outfit, confident stride, and razor-

sharp looks stirred whispers and wide-eyed stares among the onlookers-

especially the women, who found themselves holding their breath, their imaginations already running wild.

Julie blinked, stunned. Her eyes scanned his face.

"You... are you...?"

Jaden stopped a few feet away and smiled gently. "Yes, little sister. It's me."

Julie's lips quivered. "Big brother?"

In a flash, she ran to him and jumped into his arms. He caught her effortlessly and pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if he'd never let go again.

"I can't believe this!" she cried, her tears spilling onto his shoulder. "It's really you. You're back!"

"It's me, Julie. I'm back for good," Jaden whispered, his voice steady and warm.

She sobbed softly into his chest. "I was just wishing you'd come back for my birthday... I didn't think wishes came true like that."

He held her tighter. "From today on, I'm not going anywhere. And I swear-

no one will ever lay a hand on you again. Anyone who tries... they'll answer to me."

Jaden's smile faded as his gaze shifted. Beneath the surface, his calm exterior masked a storm. This was no ordinary man-

he was the God of War, the only one to ever hold the Black Emperor status. The most powerful man alive. In the world of power and death, his word was law. 1

Bob clenched his fists, face twitching with anger. "It's you again?" he barked, marching forward. "The idiot from the school! So it turns out you're her brother? No wonder you're following us around."

He jabbed a finger in Jaden's

direction. "You think you can just

ram into my bus and walk away like

same here? You pave me two Million

owe

for that vehicle. Pay up now,

you

won't be leaving this market in one piece!"

Jaden didn't flinch. He turned back to Julie, ignoring Bob like he didn't exist.

"Julie, today's not your birthday," he said softly. "Why are you celebrating it now?"

Julie wiped her tears. "After Aunt

handed me over to Dad, he changed the date. Said that was my 'new birthday. But never forgot my real one. I still remember it."

Jaden gave a small nod, then turned and walked back to his car. He opened the door, reached inside, and returned holding a small box, carefully wrapped.

"I got this for you," he said, handing it over.

Julie's hands trembled as she unwrapped it. Her eyes widened.

"A music box... I had one just like this when I was a kid," she whispered, almost breathless.

She wound it up, and soft lullabies filled the air. The familiar melody

stirred old memories-ones she thought she had buried long ago. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on find⸺novel.net

"I knew you'd like it," Jaden said with a smile.

Julie hugged the box close to her chest. "Thank you, big brother, you remembered. This... this is the best gift I've ever received."

Bob, still standing nearby, looked like his head was about to explode.

"You've got some nerve," he growled. "You destroy

my bus, act like I'm not even here, and now you're handing out gifts like this is some fairytale reunion?"

His voice rose with fury. "I swear-I'll kill you today!"

He stepped forward, ready to strike, but one of his men quickly grabbed his arm.

"Wait, Brother Bob," the man said,

his eyes narrowing as he studied

Jaden "That guy... he's not normal Look at ffis clothes, that car not some random punk. He's probably from a powerful family. Let me talk to him."

Bob sneered. “Fine. But this is your only shot."