The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 142

Alex Rivers exhaled another thin stream of smoke as he casually draped an arm over Danny’s shoulder. The weight of his hand felt more like a leash than a friendly pat.

“You’re a good boy, Danny,” he said in that smooth, commanding voice that could sway a crowd—or silence one. “If you ever want to make it big in the business world, just mention my name. I might toss you a bone.”

Danny almost tripped over his own feet, grinning like a fool. “Y-Yes, Master Rivers! Thank you! Thank you, sir!”

But Alex wasn’t looking at Danny anymore.

His eyes had already drifted to the girl standing awkwardly a few steps away. Fate.

He flicked the cigarette away, his grin widening into something far more dangerous.

“Little girl, were you looking for me?” he asked as he took a slow step toward her. His voice dropped into a predatory tone, soaked in arrogance.

Fate took an involuntary step back. “What? No—you’ve got it wrong. I didn’t—”

Alex laughed, low and dismissive. “Hahaha... Don’t be shy. It’s okay. It happens a lot. They say charisma is a curse.”

His words were casual, but the look in his eyes was anything but. Each step he took toward her made the air feel heavier. People nearby turned to look—but no one stepped in. No one dared.

Fate clenched her fists. “I said you're mistaken. I never asked to meet you.”

Before Alex could take another step, a firm voice cut through the tension.

“That’s enough.”

Everyone turned.

From the edge of the room, a tall, dignified man with a sharp gaze and composed stride walked forward. it was Reuben. He moved calmly but with authority, stepping directly between Fate and Alex.

“Mr. Rivers, it’s not appropriate to behave like this in front of so many people,” Reuben said coldly, facing him with composed defiance.

Alex narrowed his eyes. “And who the hell are you supposed to be? Her babysitter?”

Reuben didn’t flinch. “I work under Mr. Scarface. This girl is his daughter. I suggest you show some restraint.”

A heavy silence settled over the hall.

Suddenly—

BAM!

A fist cut through the air like thunder. A blur of motion came from the right side. An older man in dark robes had charged forward and thrown a brutal punch aimed at Reuben.

Reuben barely had time to raise his arms. The blow connected, sending a shockwave through his body and knocking him back several feet. He staggered, blood at the corner of his mouth, but he stayed on his feet.

The entire hall gasped.

Reuben took a slow, respectful bow.

“The contract I signed with your father... I’m ending it today.”

“What?! Why?!” Fate stepped forward, stunned. “You’ve worked with my father for years! You’re practically family!”

Reuben didn’t look her in the eyes. “Miss Fate... listen to me. Some people in this city—” He shot a glance at Kingpin. “—are no longer bound by reason or law. I’m giving you advice... advice that may just save your life.”

He took a deep breath and looked at her solemnly.

“Do as Mr. Rivers says. There are people you simply cannot afford to offend.”

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away—his back slightly bent, not from age, but from defeat.

Fate’s heart pounded. Her hands trembled with rage and helplessness. Her voice cracked as she shouted after him.

“Coward! Shameless traitor!”

The word echoed in the hall, but Reuben didn’t turn back.

Alex Rivers chuckled behind her. “Tsk. This is why I love Ravenmoor. The strong eat the weak, and the weak always pretend they have pride.”