The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 72

At Jaden's new penthouse.

The room was dead silent—only the hum of the city far below the glass walls broke through.

Jaden sat cross-legged on the floor, shirtless, his eyes closed, breath slow and even. A light breeze from the open balcony fluttered the curtains. The scar down his back was visible—ugly, deep, old. His body, still as stone, radiated calm… but not peace.

Then the elevator beeped.

Footsteps.

Drax entered, boots heavy against the marble. He tossed a thick envelope onto the table. A glossy photograph slid out.

"Fifty million bounty," Drax said, voice rough. "From the Blakes. For your head."

Jaden didn’t even twitch.

Drax scoffed. “You really did a number on that golden boy, huh? Word is, he’s bawling in bed. Can’t have kids. Family’s losing their mind.”

Still, nothing from Jaden.

Drax took a seat on the arm of the couch, leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Oh—and it’s not just the Blakes anymore. The Gravesends joined the hunt.”

That got a blink from Jaden. Just one.

“Baron Gravesend?” Jaden asked calmly.

Drax smirked. “Yeah. Apparently, cutting off their son’s head doesn’t sit well with the high families. Who knew?”

Jaden opened his eyes, slow and steady. He glanced at the photo on the table but didn’t reach for it.

“Let them come,” he said. “I’ll deal with the small fries later.”

“I’ll try not to,” Jaden replied.

Drax stood. “Tch. You’re something else.”

Jaden grabbed a pair of gloves from the counter, tossed them toward Drax. “Get the car ready. We leave in ten.”

Drax caught the gloves with one hand, the smile fading from his face.

“You sure you don’t want me to handle the families?” he asked one last time. “Just say the word. Give me three days. I’ll erase the Blakes and the Gravesends from the map.”

Jaden stepped toward the balcony and looked out over the city, eyes sharp. “Not yet. They declared war. I’m just letting them throw the first punch. The Gravesend hurt my family I'll take everything back from them.”

He turned back, cold smile tugging at his lip.

“Now let's go."