The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 41

Julie sat in class beside her best friend, Selena, flipping through the final pages of her notebook when Selena leaned in, her voice hushed and shaky.

“Julie, I heard something… Fatima’s planning to jump you after school.”

Julie raised an eyebrow, turning to her. “Jump me?”

“Yes. I overheard her in the bathroom. She’s gathering some boys from Class C. Thugs. And her cousin… he’s waiting outside the school gate. That guy’s scary, Julie. I think he’s a real gangster.”

Julie leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms, and exhaled slowly. “So she finally wants to test me, huh?”

Selena looked horrified. “Julie, this isn’t a joke. Fatima’s psycho. And her cousin? He once sent a student to the hospital for talking back. I’m scared something will happen to you.”

Julie turned her head slowly to face Selena. “Let her try. I’ve stayed quiet too long. If she lays a hand on me today... that’ll be the last hand she ever uses.”

Selena blinked. “Julie…”

Julie stood as the bell rang. “If she wants war, I’ll bring the fire.”

---

At the school reception…

The front desk was unusually busy. Staff darted in and out of the room, bowing and rushing to serve two intimidating men seated with legs crossed like they owned the building.

they were Bob and Norman.

One a street legend. The other the ruthless manager of Nova Company.

They were not here for pleasantries.

Bob downed a bottle of water and crushed it in his hand. “Dismissal’s starting. That girl should be coming out any second.”

“We follow and keep her safe,” Norman added, standing. “The boss gave us one job. And I’m not about to fail.”

Bob grunted. “Still can’t feel my damn shoulder from that beating he gave me… No more slip-ups.”

“Scram before I break your jaw,” Bob said coldly.

Outside the school gate…

Julie stepped out, the afternoon sun casting a glare across the courtyard. The crowd of students parted like water as a group of six boys blocked her path. Each one taller, bulkier, and grinning like hyenas. Behind them stood Fatima, arms folded, chewing gum with a cocky smirk.

“Well, well,” Fatima sneered, walking forward. “Look who finally decided to walk out with her chin up.”

Julie didn’t flinch.

“You think you’re better than everyone else just because you got a pretty face and good grades?” Fatima hissed. “Newsflash, sweetheart—this is Silvercreek. Being smart doesn’t mean anything when your face is in the dirt.”

Julie looked at each of the boys. None of them made a move yet, waiting for Fatima’s command.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Julie said calmly.

Fatima chuckled. “You’re done. I’ve got six reasons here why your legs will be broken before sundown.”