Chapter 29
It was a sharply dressed young man in a navy-
blue suit, walking in with confidence that reeked of arrogance.
"Mathew, you're here," Martha said, her face lighting up a bit.
She tried to sit up as she gestured between the two young men. "Jaden, this is Mathew-
my nephew from your uncle's side. Mathew, meet Jaden-Julie's brother."
Mathew gave Jaden a quick scan from head to toe. There was a smug glint in his eyes, like he was already sizing up a rival. He stepped forward with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Julie's brother? Huh. Are you a new graduate or something?" he asked. "Where
did you intern?"
Jaden didn't even spare him a glance. He turned straight to Martha instead. "Aunty, do you feel any better now?"
Martha chuckled softly. "I do, son. Mathew's been helping take care of me too... he comes around when he can."
Hearing that, Mathew's smile grew wider-proud even-
but it dropped in an instant when he realized Jaden had blatantly ignored his question.
"You arrogant little punk," Mathew muttered under his breath before speaking louder. "So, that's how it is? You just ignore people now? You must think you're something special, huh?" Find the newest release on
Jaden remained silent.
Mathew's pride took a hit. His eyes narrowed.
"Do you even know who I am?" he snapped. "I'm the new manager of White's Prestige Hotel. I just fired five staff members this morning alone
people who acted just like you. Cocky. Unimpressive. Fresh out of school with no manners."
Jaden tilted his head slightly, amused. If only the idiot knew the real reason he
got the job was because Jaden had ended the previous manager's life two nights ago at the Thornfell party. The owners had been desperate, and Mathew was a convenient puppet. "I'll be generous-
for Aunty's sake," Mathew continued smugly. "I'll give you a shot. Come work under me
at WPH. Start from the bottom as a waiter, prove yourself, and who knows, I might promote you."
Jaden finally looked at him and said flatly, "No thanks. I don't need it?"
The temperature in the room dropped.
"What?" Mathew snapped. "How dare you reject my offer! Do you have any idea how many people are begging for an opening at WPH? Hundreds! I'm throwing you a lifeline!" Martha looked a little unsettled. "Jaden, you just got back to Ravenmoor... you don't have a job yet, do you? Maybe you should consider it."
"I was at WPH two days ago," Jaden said calmly.
Mathew's eyes narrowed. "Oh please. Don't tell me you walked in there and got hired. You probably dropped off your résumé and got ignored like everyone else."
He scoffed and crossed his arms. "This is your best chance. Don't throw it away just to act proud."
Jaden ignored him again and handed Martha a second glass of water. "Here, drink a little more, Aunty. It'll help.”
Mathew's face turned red with rage. "You're not even man enough to look me in the eye! You arrogant, ungrateful punk
The door creaked open again. This time, a bulky
man with a cigarette stuck between his lips walked in like he owned the place.
"Damn, feels like a family meeting in here," the man growled.
Jaden's eyes narrowed at once.
Greg.
Julie leaned closer to Jaden and whispered, "That's Greg. Mathew's cousin He barges in almost every day He's been bullying Aunty ever since her husband left. Nowhe wants to take the house."
"Greg! what are you doing here, get out
of my house this instant!" Martha instructed.
Greg tossed a dirty envelope on the table.
Marth not here for pleasantries.
Martha, today's the day. You sign
that house over to me of mak your life hell
"You're delusional!" Martha snapped, standing with effort. "Get out!"
Greg chuckled. "You're shouting at me now? Lady, look at yourself. You're hanging by a thread. You'll probably be dead in a week."
His eyes narrowed as he leaned closer.
"Don't tell me you're planning to
leave this house to that pathetic son of yours? The sick one who can't even control his own mind?" He spat
on the floor. "What a waste
"Get out!" Martha yelled, her voice cracking.
"I'm doing you a favor," Greg said smugly. "Take the deal now and I'll let you stay in the backroom rent-
free until you croak."
At that moment, a small figure ran into the room.
“Bad uncle! Bad uncle!" Kelvin shouted, pointing at Greg with trembling fingers. "You're a bad man! Leave our house!"
Greg turned around, scowling. "Tch. Stupid brat.'
Before anyone could react, Greg's hand swung.
Smack!
Kelvin hit the ground with a loud thud, crying instantly. A red mark bloomed across his cheek.
Julie screamed. "Kelvin!"
Martha froze in horror. "No!"
Jaden's gaze snapped to the boy, then to Greg.