The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 57

The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the bustling street. Jaden walked with his hands in his pockets, the collar of his black jacket turned up as a gentle breeze passed through. His pace was relaxed—too relaxed to notice the small figure storming toward him from the crowd.

“Big brother!” a familiar voice rang out.

He turned just in time for Julie to throw herself at him in a half-hug, half-shove. Her brows were scrunched in frustration.

“I’ve been waiting for almost an hour!” she huffed, crossing her arms. “Why are you always late?!”

Jaden arched an eyebrow, amused. “Had to take care of a few things. Business stuff.”

Julie scowled. “Today of all days? You forgot, didn’t you?”

“Forgot what?” he asked, genuinely confused.

Julie groaned and smacked her forehead. “Tch—it’s Hannah’s birthday, genius! How do you forget your future wife’s birthday?”

Jaden coughed, choking back a laugh. “You’re shipping us now?”

“I’m just saying,” she said, smirking. “She’s smart, beautiful, kind, and way out of your league. Don’t screw this up.”

“Stop talking nonsense,” he muttered, pinching her cheeks.

“Ahhh! That hurts!” she cried, swatting his hand away. “Whatever. You’re lucky I found the perfect gift already. Come on, I saw this killer dress the other day—she’s gonna love it.”

Julie grabbed his wrist and dragged him down the sidewalk into a sleek-looking boutique, the glass doors gleaming under the city sun.

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Inside the Boutique

Julie darted into the racks like a missile, scanning through rows of dresses like she was on a mission from God.

“I thought you already found the perfect one?” Jaden called out as he leaned lazily against a pillar near the entrance.

“I did! But it’s not where I saw it last time. Looks like someone might’ve bought it already,” she called back.

Jaden’s eyes wandered casually… until he felt it.

A presence.

He turned sharply. Someone had just been watching him from behind one of the display pillars. The figure ducked the moment their eyes nearly met.

His posture straightened. His instincts, honed from battles and blood, were suddenly alert.

A long silence.

Then the manager leaned back slowly, a sly grin forming across his face. “And what are the odds he’d just stroll into my store…”

The staff member looked uneasy. “Should we… call the Thornfells? I heard they’ve been searching for him.”

The manager slammed his hand on the desk. “No.”

The assistant flinched.

“Calling them now would be a waste,” the manager sneered. “I’ve been trying to curry favor with Agatha Thornfell for years. But this… this is opportunity.”

His eyes gleamed.

“If we capture him… beat him down… cripple him like he did to their boy, and hand-deliver him to Agatha, we won't just win favor. We’ll be heroes.”

The staff member hesitated. “But what if he fights back?”

“Then you better hope you hit him first,” the manager said, rising to his feet and pulling open a drawer. Inside was a steel baton. “Get the others. Lock the front door. And clear out the customers quietly. This is our moment.”