The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 87

Williams’ Office – Gravesend Estate

Inside a high-ceilinged office lined with antique books and oil paintings, Williams Gravesend stood by the window, his fists clenched behind his back. His jaw was tight, lips pressed into a thin line as he stared at the foggy city skyline.

The door creaked open. Two suited men entered, their postures stiff under his scrutiny.

“Well?” Williams asked without turning. His voice was low, simmering with fury. “Still no word from Cooper?”

One of the men cleared his throat. “Sir… no updates yet. The kidnapper hasn’t shown. But the entire city perimeter is under lockdown—our men are stationed everywhere. There’s no way he can escape.”

The second man nodded, trying to lighten the mood. “If you ask me, the bastard’s probably hiding under some sewer grate by now, shaking in his boots.”

The first man chuckled. “All that arrogance… all that bravado… just a scarecrow waving in the wind.”

Williams slowly turned to face them, his eyes cold and unreadable. The smile on their faces froze.

He didn’t say a word.

His silence was louder than any outburst. The tension thickened until both men lowered their gazes, shifting uncomfortably on their feet.

Williams finally spoke, voice as sharp as a blade. “I don’t pay you to underestimate men who kill barons and vanish with my successor. Save your laughter for later. If there is a later.”

They quickly nodded, murmuring apologies, but his gaze had already drifted back out the window.

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Side Street near the Music Plaza – Late Afternoon

A yellow cab pulled up at the corner of a blocked-off road. The city was in disarray—four major intersections had been shut down, and people were growing impatient.

Miss Clara stepped out first, arms folded as she scanned the chaos ahead.

“This is insane,” she huffed. “I just wanted to go to the music plaza and relax for once. Is that too much to ask?”

Miss Hannah stepped out after her, sunglasses perched atop her head. She glanced around the empty street, annoyed.

“I didn’t expect all the main roads to be closed at once… it’s like a war zone,” Clara grumbled again. “What’s even going on today?”

Before Hannah could respond, a voice called out behind them.

“Miss Winston!”

They turned. Mr. Harrison—the balding, overly enthusiastic eacher—came jogging toward them, slightly out of breath. A thick bandage circled his forehead, and stitches peeked out from beneath it. His left eye was still faintly bruised.

“Oh no,” Hannah muttered under her breath, already bracing for impact.

“Miss Clara! Miss Hannah! Fancy seeing you two here,” Harrison said with a crooked smile, trying to look confident despite his comical appearance.

Clara’s eyes widened. “Mr. Harrison?! What happened to you?”

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