The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 38

"What? Of course not!" Hannah said, her cheeks burning red as she quickly looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Donald chuckled deeply, not hiding his amusement. "It’s alright, sweetheart. You don’t need to lie to me. Besides, you’re now a teacher at Silvercreek High, right? Isn’t that where Julie Hale studies? You could have her link you up with her brother... you know." He gave her a playful wink.

"Dad!" Hannah whined, standing up abruptly. "You're being ridiculous. I’m leaving." She turned away, grabbing her bag with haste.

"Just saying," Donald grinned. "Wouldn't be bad having a Rift in the family—assuming he forgives us."

Hannah marched out, muttering under her breath as she shut the door behind her. Once outside, her expression turned serious. "But... Dad's not wrong. Julie could be the bridge I need. Getting close to her might be the only way to reach Jaden now."

---

At the Thornfell Estate

A cold wind blew past the window panes of the Thornfell mansion. Inside one of the luxurious but now tense rooms, Derek lay sprawled on the hospital bed, his face pale, eyes bloodshot. His legs had been amputated, both stumps carefully wrapped in gauze. Doctors and nurses hovered around him, adjusting drips and monitoring his vitals.

Agatha Thornfell stood beside the bed, arms folded, jaw clenched, her eyes raging with fury as she stared at her broken son.

"Mother..." Derek croaked, barely able to lift his head. "Please... revenge me... that bastard... he deserves to die."

Agatha's face twitched with hatred. She slammed her fist into the side table, sending a glass crashing to the floor. The doctors flinched.

"Naomi Turner!" she screamed, her voice trembling with rage. "That bitch! I’ll make sure your grave is right next to your son’s! I swear it!"

She turned suddenly and punched the full-length mirror behind her, shattering it into jagged shards. Blood trickled from her knuckles, but she didn’t flinch.

"We should’ve crushed him when he was a boy! But no... you all said to wait. Now look!" she yelled, pacing like a lioness ready to tear flesh. "He thinks crippling my son and humiliating us means he’s won? He doesn’t know what real war looks like."

She stopped abruptly, her eyes narrowed. "And those Winstons… they knew all along. They watched, said nothing, then turned their backs on us." Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "I’ll burn them all."

Suddenly, the heavy double doors to the room slammed open.

THUD!

Everyone turned.

An elderly man stepped in, his black cane tapping ominously against the marble floor. His silver beard, sharp eyes, and commanding presence silenced the room instantly.

"Agatha," he called firmly.

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