The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 63

Stanwell’s eyes burned straight ahead, fixed on one person.

Jaden.

Standing beside Hannah.

He cocked his head and took a slow step forward, his voice rough and commanding.

“Who the hell are you?” he asked. “And why are you standing next to my girl?”

Gasps shot through the crowd like a wave. People cleared a path without being asked.

Hannah immediately stepped forward, placing herself between both men.

“Stanwell,” she said firmly. “Please don’t cause anything here. I'm not your girl, I never was.”

Stanwell’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Relax. I just want to talk. Alone.” His gaze lingered on her. “Please, follow me.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Hannah replied, chin raised. “Whatever you want to say, say it here.”

Stanwell’s eyes darkened. His smile remained, but it twisted.

“Very well then,” he said, turning his attention to Jaden and Julie. “You two—get the hell out of here. I want to speak to my woman. Alone.”

“Not happening,” Hannah shot back instantly. “Jaden and Julie stay. And stop addressing me as your woman, we're not in a relationship, I've never accepted your proposal.”

Stanwell raised a brow, amused now. His gaze locked onto Jaden.

“So you’re him? Jaden Rift?”

Jaden took a calm step forward. “Yeah. What is it?”

Stanwell gave a slow nod, chuckling under his breath. “I’ve heard of you,” he said. “You handled the Thornfells, crippled Derek, and even humiliated Elder Dusk.” He clapped his hands mockingly. “I should thank you for dealing with my rival. But don’t think that makes you someone.”

He stepped closer. “You’re not on my level. Get out of here. Now.”

Jaden met his stare, unmoved. “Or what?”

Stanwell’s eyes narrowed. His voice grew cold. “Don’t test me. Hannah, come with me.”

He reached for her arm.

But in a flash, Jaden stepped between them. He gripped Stanwell’s wrist and peeled it off Hannah gently but firmly.

“She said she’s not going anywhere,” Jaden said, his tone low. “Back off.”

Stanwell’s nostrils flared. “How dare you?” he barked. “Do you have a death wish? Do you even know who I am?!”

“I don’t care,” Jadeen replied flatly.

Stanwell’s voice boomed. “I’m a champion. I’ve held every belt worth holding! Killed men in the ring with two punches! Two! They had to ban me, disqualify me from boxing, because I was too dangerous!”

He turned to the crowd, spreading his arms.

Smack!

He caught Stanwell’s wrist mid-air—just one hand.

Then shoved.

Stanwell slid back several feet, his shoes screeching across the marble floor.

He steadied himself, massaging his wrist, a twisted grin on his face.

“Oh, you’ve got guts. But you won’t leave here alive.”

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder.

“Who the hell is this guy?”

“He caught Stanwell’s punch?! That’s impossible!”

Stanwell raised his fists, veins bulging. “I’ve snapped arms with less effort. I’ll bury you right here!”

Jadeen stepped forward, face calm, eyes sharp as razors. “Try it.”

Stanwell exploded. “DIE!”

With a roar, he launched at Jadeen again, this time both fists flying like hammers.