The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 102

Harrison sat slouched on the velvet couch in his dimly lit apartment, the glow of the city leaking in through half-drawn curtains. Bottles of whiskey, gin, and cheap wine littered the glass table in front of him like fallen soldiers. His shirt was half-buttoned, tie loosened around his neck, and his eyes—red-rimmed and dazed—stared at the muted TV playing reruns he wasn’t watching.

The laughter earlier still echoed in his head—the way she giggled with her friend while he stammered, humiliated by his own clumsy words. He had made a fool of himself in front of her again.

He cursed under his breath and reached for another drink when his phone suddenly lit up, vibrating across the table.

He blinked.

Caller ID: Cooper

He frowned. “Cooper?”

Wasn’t this the same man who had chewed him out just this afternoon for calling without permission?

With a bitter laugh, Harrison picked up the call.

“Mr. Cooper?” he said hesitantly. “Did… did you mean to call me?”

There was a pause, then Cooper’s voice, too smooth to be natural, came through the line. “Oh, Harrison. Of course, I meant to call you. Don’t take what happened earlier to heart. I was just joking when I scolded you, haha. You know how stressful things are.”

Harrison straightened in his seat. “N-no, I understand! I’m honored you even thought of me, sir!”

“Good,” Cooper said. “There’s something I want your help with.”

“Anything, sir. Just say the word!”

Cooper’s tone lowered, laced with a subtle menace. “I’m looking for someone. I’ll send you his photo. Tell me if you know anything about him—his whereabouts, his habits. Anything.”

Within seconds, Harrison’s phone buzzed again—a photo attachment. He opened it.

His eyes narrowed.

Jaden.

That name alone made Harrison’s jaw clench. He’d never forget the day Jaden humiliated him in front of the woman he loves—threw him down like a rag doll in front of onlookers, like he was nothing.

Harrison’s lips curled into a slow, spiteful smile. “Ah... Jaden. Looks like karma’s finally knocking.”

He cleared his throat and replied into the phone, voice dripping with fake politeness, “Yes, Mr. Cooper. I know exactly where he is.”

“Oh?”

Before he could speak, Hannah interjected gently, “Come on, Clara. He’s spent half his life in the chaos of the border. Let him breathe.”

Jaden chuckled faintly. “She’s right. A little quiet wouldn’t hurt. But... I do have some personal matters I need to settle.”

The mood shifted for a moment. Hannah noticed his tone and narrowed her eyes slightly but didn’t pry.

“Well, if you’re looking for work,” Clara said, crossing her legs, “I have connections. It’s hard to find good jobs these days. Especially for someone without... a degree.”

Jaden only smiled at her comment, unfazed. “Thanks, but I’m not worried.”

Just then, a young waiter in a crisp suit approached, holding a silver tray.

“Excuse me,” he said politely, directing his gaze toward Hannah. “Hello, beautiful lady.”

She blinked, a little startled. “Yes?”

The waiter smiled. “Your bill has been taken care of. The gentleman insisted I deliver this card to you...”

He placed a sleek black business card onto the tray and continued, “…and invite you to join him in the Elegant Room, second floor.”