Chapter 61

After a few minutes, the office door creaked open, and both Jaden and Hope stepped out.

Julie was already standing in the hallway, arms crossed tightly across her chest, one foot tapping impatiently on the marble floor.

Her eyes narrowed. "What took you two so long?" she asked, voice sharp. "And what exactly were you doing in there?"

Hope gave a playful shrug, leaning lazily against the doorframe. "Exactly what you're imagining," she said with a mischievous smirk and a wink.

Julie's jaw dropped. "What?!"

She stormed forward, practically trembling. "Stay away from my brother! He has a girlfriend, you know!" she snapped, glaring daggers at Hope.

Hope chuckled and casually patted Julie's head like she was a child. "Bye, little watchdog." Then she turned and strutted off, heels clicking confidently against the polished floor.

Julie's face turned red with fury. "You! You-You flirtatious witch!"

"You're such a pain in the ass," Jaden muttered, rubbing his temple with a sigh. Julie spun toward him. "What did you do in there, brother?! Tell me she's lying!" Jaden didn't even break stride. He walked past her without a word, his cold, unreadable expression giving her nothing.

"I said, tell me !"

"Go pick up the package," Jaden interrupted calmly, adjusting his cuffs. "We're leaving."

Julie groaned and stomped after him, fuming. "Unbelievable! You didn't even deny it!"

Scene Shift: Winston Mansion - 9:02 PM

The Winston Mansion was lit up like a palace. Chandeliers bathed the marble halls in golden light, and the air buzzed with chatter, clinking glasses, and camera flashes. Laughter echoed across the expansive ballroom, lined with velvet drapes and crystal vases overflowing with rare orchids.

The media buzzed near the entrance as black sedans and luxury cars lined up in front of the red carpet. Bodyguards, assistants, and elite socialites filled the room like a gala of kings and queens.

Inside, Donald Winston stood in front of a microphone, dressed in a dark blue tux, addressing a crowd of powerful businessmen, celebrities, and government figures.

"Thank you all for coming," he announced with a broad smile. "Today, we celebrate not only the 30th anniversary of Winston Corp-built with sweat, integrity, and vision-but also the birthday of my beloved daughter, Hannah. A jewel in my life."

Applause echoed across the room. Cameras flashed. Champagne flowed.

Just then, the heavy double doors parted as Jaden entered the hall with Julie beside him. He wore a jet-black custom suit, the fabric subtly glinting under the lights. A glass of wine rested in his hand, and his expression was calm, cool, and unreadable.

Julie stood beside him in a dazzling silver gown with open shoulders and sleek embroidery. She carried herself with grace, but her eyes scanned the room with purpose.

Heads turned.

Whispers followed.

"Who's that guy?"

"Damn, he's hot."

"Is he with Hannah?"

think he's from the military or something..."

"Wait, is that... Jaden Rift?" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ Find✶Novel.net

A cluster of girls at the far end whispered among themselves, holding champagne glasses and trying not to stare too obviously.

"That's Jaden? From Hannah's's old school?" one of the girls, clad in a deep red gown, asked.

"Yeah, he just returned from the army another whispered. "I heard he's not tron a a fich family but he looks like money."

"Well, look at him now. He walks like he owns the place."

One girl bit her lip. "I wouldn't mind being conquered."

"It's such a shame, Hannah deserved better."

"exactly, she's has more rich suitors and she chose this?"

Meanwhile, Hannah, glowing in a royal blue dress and silver tiara, rushed toward them with excitement in her eyes.

"Jaden!" she beamed, stopping in front of him.

Jaden smiled politely and handed her the wine glass before bowing slightly Happy birthday, Hannah. You look radiant tonight."

Hannah blushed, holding the glass delicately. "Thank you! You clean up well."

Julie stepped in between them with

a grin. "And before you say anything

else-ves, I picked his suit. So deserve all the compliments, thank you very much."

They laughed.

Hannah turned to Julie. "I was actually about to say I love your gown too. You both look amazing."

Julie gave her a playful wink. "Of course we do. We came to cause a little storm."

Jaden gave a dry chuckle but said nothing.

Julie elbowed Jaden. "Why are those girls over there still staring at you?"

Jaden didn't even glance. "Ignore them."

"But they're practically drooling. One of them looks like she's ready to propose."

Anna laughed. "You sure you're not hiding a modeling contract, Jaden?"