The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 56

The Winston Mansion – Nightfall

The sleek black Range Rover glided to a halt before the grand gates of the Winston mansion. The metal doors hissed open as if they recognized who had come. Jaden stepped out first, tall and sharp-eyed, the fading sunlight catching the lines of his jaw like a blade. Hannah followed closely behind, still shaken but walking straighter now—like she felt safe beside him.

The double doors of the mansion slammed open.

“Hannah!”

Donald Winston in his tailored vest—stormed down the steps of his estate. His eyes were wild, breath short, like a man who hadn’t slept since she vanished.

He reached her, arms wrapping around her shoulders, gripping her like he never wanted to let go. “My God, you’re okay… I thought I’d lost you.”

“I’m fine, Dad,” Hannah breathed, clinging back. “Jaden saved me.”

Donald slowly turned—and froze.

“…Jaden?”

The man in black stood still, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable.

“It’s been a long time, Mr. Winston,” Jaden said calmly.

Donald blinked, took a step forward, and looked him over from head to toe—then again, as if trying to match this iron-framed man to the boy from his memories.

“Jesus Christ… You’ve grown. Ten years…” His voice trailed off. “I remember when you used to chase Hannah around this yard barefoot, always with a scraped knee and a smart mouth. Now look at you. You’re…”

“I manage,” Jaden replied with a dry half-smile.

Donald walked closer and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “You didn’t just bring my daughter home—you brought her back from hell. I owe you more than thanks.”

“She would’ve done the same for me,” Jaden said quietly.

There was a pause—heavy, but not uncomfortable.

“Please,” Donald finally said. “At least stay for dinner. Break bread with us.”

Jaden looked at Hannah, who gave him a small nod, hopeful eyes shimmering under the porch light.

“…Alright. I’ll stay.”

---

Later that Night

The room glowed in golden warmth. A spread of fine cuisine decorated the long table—roast duck, buttered greens, aged wine. Around the table, Hannah, Donald and Jaden was seated.

Donald leaned back in his chair, watching Jaden like he still couldn’t believe the transformation.

“You’re not the same boy who left,” he said. “You didn’t just grow—you became something else. And now I realize… It was you. That night. Two years ago— who saved me and Hannah on the from those men?”

Jaden didn’t flinch. “Yeah. That was me.”

Donald exhaled, rubbing his chin. “And again… at the Thornfell party. why didn't you tell us it was that all along?”

Jaden took a sip of water. “Because I wasn’t ready yet.”

But the man stayed on his knees, head bowed. “I’ve never begged anyone. Not once in fifty years. But I’m begging you now, Jaden. Not just for my company—for my daughter. For everything I’ve built. We can’t stand against them alone.”

Jaden’s jaw tensed. He stood and reached out, gripping Donald’s arm, lifting him up.

“Don’t kneel to me,” he said. “You took me in when I had nothing. You gave my sister and I a place to sleep. You were like a father to us. Don’t do this.”

Donald stared into his eyes. “Then tell me you’ll help.”

“I will,” Jaden said coldly. “The Thornfells made a mistake. They touched someone I care about. That won’t go unanswered.”

Hannah stood now too, voice soft. “Jaden… thank you.”

He didn’t meet her gaze. “Stay out of sight for a while. Both of you. Let me handle them.”

Donald, still trembling slightly, gripped his glass and downed the rest of his wine.

Donald finally nodded. “Understood.”

Jaden looked toward the hallway. “I’ll take my leave now.”

“But wait—” Donald said suddenly, walking after him. “Tomorrow is Winston Corp’s 30th Anniversary. We’re throwing a celebration at the Grand Plaza. Media, allies, big names—everyone’s coming. It would mean a lot if you showed up.”

Jaden paused near the doorway. He looked over his shoulder.

“I’ll be there.”