The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 44

THE IMPERIAL CLUB

The Imperial Club wasn’t just some luxurious venue—it was the heart of Ravenmoor’s elite playground. Owned and operated by the powerful Gravesend family, it catered to politicians, crime lords, tycoons, and men who ruled empires from behind closed doors. If you were anyone in this city, you were here tonight.

The event was grander than usual.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled above gold-plated pillars. A string quartet played at one end of the hall while servers in tailored uniforms moved gracefully through the crowd. Laughter and wine flowed in equal measure.

Tonight was for Williams Gravesend—the feared patriarch of the family—celebrating his 60th birthday. The main ballroom brimmed with power: governors, underworld bosses, foreign dignitaries. Cameras flashed as he shook hands, his custom white tuxedo spotless, his cane carved from dark ebony.

Outside, luxury cars lined the grand driveway under the glowing night sky.

SCREEECHHH!!

A loud, piercing screech ripped through the calm as a black Range Rover tore through the gates, tires skidding against the marble-tiled driveway.

Gasps erupted from the guests near the entrance. A couple near the champagne bar turned to stare.

“The hell? Who drives like that here?”

“Does he know where he is? This isn’t some back-alley club…”

Two of the suited security men standing by the red carpet immediately sprang into action, storming toward the vehicle.

One of them slapped the hood with his palm. “Hey! Step out of the car! Do you even know where the hell you are, punk?!”

The car didn’t move.

The windows were pitch-black tinted. The engine purred low, like a beast waiting to strike.

“Sir!” the other guard turned to the man approaching behind them—Mr. Gabriel, the chief coordinator of the entire event. A man known for his pride in order and reputation.

Gabriel adjusted his bowtie, his expression twisted in irritation. “I’ll handle this.”

He stepped forward briskly, waving the guards aside.

He knocked on the window hard, twice. “Hey, you think this is some high school dance? Driving like a maniac into Gravesend territory—are you stupid or high?”

Still no response.

He stepped back and raised his voice. “You better get out of that car right now and explain yourself—or I swear, I’ll have the guards drag you out and make you kiss the floor!”

A black emblem… sleek, woven into the fabric with metallic thread.

A dragon. Coiled and marked in blood-red.

His entire body froze.

His lips moved, but no words came out.

He stepped back as if he’d seen a ghost.

“This… this is…”

Jaden raised an eyebrow.

“Problem?” he asked, his voice sharp but controlled.

Gabriel’s hands trembled slightly. He took a shaky step backward, clearing his throat.

“That… that’s the symbol of the… the Black Dragon Group…”