The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 187

Hall, Celestial Hotel

The entire hall had been transformed for Xander Verrick’s seventieth birthday. Fifty tables, draped in silk and surrounded by polished chairs, filled the space. Crystal chandeliers lit the room in a warm glow, and the air was thick with perfume, champagne, and power.

Waitstaff moved in crisp uniforms, directing guests and managing the flood of expensive gifts at the reception.

Xander stood near the grand entrance, suited in a deep charcoal ensemble, his gray hair slicked back. Despite his age, he still carried himself like a man who owned the city. On either side were his sons, Elias and Aiden, both equally well-dressed, their expressions carefully neutral as they greeted guests.

A staff member read off gift announcements like a town crier.

“From Mr. David Joned of Green Corporation: an original Monet painting. 'Happy birthday to Mr. Xander Verrick.'”

A ripple of impressed murmurs.

“From Mr. Zenith Oxford of Hunter Property Group: a century-old Pine Bonsai Tree. 'Wishing Mr. Verrick longevity and strength.'”

Another round of applause and subtle nods of respect.

Then came the announcement that slammed the room into silence.

“From Mr. Vane Verrick and family: a worn-out box containing a broken pill. ‘Best Wishes and Happy Birthday to Father.’”

Laughter exploded through the hall like a wave breaking against stone.

Some guests laughed openly, others covered their mouths, trying to hide their smirks. But all eyes snapped toward the source of the embarrassment—Vane Verrick, standing just past the reception area with Selena, Jaden, and little Mia.

Xander’s smile vanished.

His gaze cut through the laughter, landing on Vane like a blade. His cheeks flared crimson as he stepped forward, ignoring the cameras flashing nearby.

“No, Dad,” Vane finally managed, his voice cracking slightly. “We just... we didn’t have much. But this isn’t a joke. The pill is real. It’s from General kaelus—”

“The miracle doctor?” someone whispered nearby.

Xander turned sharply to Elias. “You heard that name?”

Elias shrugged. “Even if it’s from Kaelus himself, it doesn’t excuse the presentation. You saw the box, didn’t you?”

At that moment, Williams, Elias’s son, stepped forward. He had his father’s arrogance but none of the restraint. He snatched the box from Jaden’s hand and flung it to the ground.

The brittle lid popped off on impact. The pill rolled out, small and unassuming.

“Is this it?” Williams said mockingly, pointing at the marble-sized tablet. “This is your grand gift?”