The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 143

Hannah quickly stepped in, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she stood between Alex and the girl he was closing in on.

“Mr. Rivers, I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” she said calmly, though her voice was firm. “This girl doesn’t look like one of your fans. Just let it go.”

She didn’t care for Alex Rivers—truth be told, she found him arrogant and unbearable—but her grandfather had arranged their “connection” in hopes of elevating their family. Alex was a rising name in entertainment, and Hannah had dreams far beyond her bland teaching career. He was her ticket out, and she wasn’t ready to burn the bridge… yet.

Alex’s eyes narrowed, and he exhaled smoke from the cigarette dangling lazily between his lips. He turned his head just slightly, his gaze locking onto Danny.

The look he gave wasn’t just cold—it was deadly.

Danny felt his stomach twist. The moment their eyes met, he felt like his soul froze.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, feeling like his bowels were about to give way from the pressure. His shirt clung to his back with sweat.

In a panic, he turned toward Fate, deflecting his fear with misplaced rage.

“You ungrateful bitch!” he snapped. “I went out of my way to introduce you to Mr. Rivers, and this is how you act? You should be thankful! Don’t know a good thing when it’s right in front of you!”

He raised his hand to strike her across the face.

But—

BAM!

A black leather shoe drove into Danny’s chest like a wrecking ball, launching him several feet backward. He crashed to the floor with a blood-curdling groan, his mouth instantly filling with blood.

The crowd gasped.

Jaden calmly lowered his leg and straightened his tailored navy-blue suit, unbothered by the silence that followed.

“I hate men who lay hands on women,” he said, brushing imaginary dust off his jacket sleeve.

Alex’s eyes burned with curiosity and anger. “And who the hell are you supposed to be?” he asked, flicking ash from his cigarette.

Jaden didn’t even glance at him.

Alex took a step forward. “That man you just kicked may be trash, but he still works under me. Hitting him… means slapping me in the face.”

A smirk slowly crept across Jaden’s lips. “Your face?” he asked, amused. “You actually think your face is worth hitting?”

Gasps echoed around the room.

Hannah’s eyes widened as she recognized him. “Jaden… it’s really you?”

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