Chapter 196

Jaden raised his glass, the red liquid catching the light as he clinked it against Morix Sable's. His voice was calm but carried a quiet weight. "I don't want to be disturbed when I'm having a meal with my family. You understand what I'm saying, Morix?"

The moment held firm in the air. Morix's face, already flushed from the wine, lit up with a kind of fanatical joy. Sharing a drink with Jaden was more than just courtesy —it was status. A blessing. A moment he'd probably brag about for the next ten years.

“Of course, Sir.” He bowed his head slightly, a respectful smile stretching across his face. "Loud and clear. I'll make sure your time here stays peaceful."

He stepped back from the table with practiced grace, turning to Jack before he was even out of earshot. "Make sure no one walks near this section unless they want to lose a limb."

Back at the table, courses began to arrive with silent efficiency. Gold-trimmed plates carried dishes that most people would only ever see on TV. The Verricks sat stiffly at first, unsure if they were even allowed to touch anything.

Then Mia broke the tension with her innocent excitement.

"Papa, this is the best food I've ever had! Look at this ice cream! It's shaped like a swan!" Her small hands clutched the dessert glass like it held treasure. "Way better than the food at great-grandpa's fancy party. I love you, Papa. You're the best."

Jaden chuckled softly and ruffled her hair. "Eat up, sweetheart."

Across the table, Vane was still staring at a cut of beef like it was a bomb that might go off.

"Jaden,” he started, voice low. "Are you really sure about all this? That Morix guy isn't putting on some show just to save face?"

Jaden leaned back slightly, not defensive, just sure. "We go way back. He He was with me when things were a lot harder. I gave him a hand when he had nothing. He's not doing this for attention. He meant every word."

Nora frowned, her fingers curling slightly around her glass. “And he's not charging us even a cent?"

Jaden shook his head once. "Not today. Not ever. You're family. As long as this place stands, your meals here are covered."

That sent Vane and Nora into another silence, but this time it was disbelief wrapped in quiet respect.

Selena raised an eyebrow, giving

Jaden a sidelong look. "That kind of

loyalty's rare these days. He clearly feels like he owes you something. big.

"He doesn't owe me. We helped each other when it mattered," Jaden replied.

Still, Selena's tone turned thoughtful.

"I'm grateful, but we shouldn't lean

on him too much. It's generous,

got to stand on ou

yeah, but we've got t

our

own. Can't expect someone to bail

us out every time life throws us a curveball."

Nora nodded, echoing that thought. "Better we learn to handle things ourselves. Cook our own meals. Carry our own weight."

Jaden's expression softened. "And we will. This is just one good day. Doesn't mean we're forgetting how to fight."