The King Of War Returns novel Chapter 10

Back on the upper floor…

“Looks like the commotion downstairs has settled,” Mr. Winston said, glancing toward the stairs.

“Yes, I noticed too.” Emilia took a sip of her wine, then smiled. “That was quite impressive of you, Mr. Winston. I didn’t expect you to step in like that.”

“I told you already, Ms. White, our families are practically one. There’s no need to separate sides anymore.”

“You’re absolutely right. Once your daughter officially becomes a Thornfell, it’ll be a blessing for both families,” she said, smiling. “Hopefully, she’ll give us beautiful grandkids too—just like her.”

“Of course. Beauty runs in our bloodline,” Mr. Winston chuckled.

They both laughed quietly, enjoying the moment.

Donald, however, glanced around impatiently. “What’s taking that guard so long? I need the grey card back.”

As if on cue, the doors opened and the guard walked in, slightly out of breath.

“Ms. Emilia, Mr. Donald… that guy—the stranger—he’s…”

Donald raised a hand and cut him off. “I know, I know. He’s probably pissing his pants now after realizing whose card he held. That’s the Winston name, after all.”

“No, it’s not that,” the guard interrupted firmly. “Mr. Winston—Miss Winston was… intimate with him. In front of everyone.”

Donald’s grin faded for a second, but he waved it off again. “Oh, that? That’s fine. Derek and Hannah are practically a couple. Gen Z love doing things their own way. It’s all part of their bonding. Actually, I told her to get closer to him. She’s always been shy, so I’m glad she’s stepping up.”

“Exactly,” Emilia chimed in, clearly entertained. “I can’t wait to see what their children look like. My sister and brother-in-law would be thrilled.”

The guard looked at both of them, confused. “No—I don’t think it was Derek.”

That made Donald pause.

“What do you mean?” His voice was flatter now, less amused.

“Mr. Winston,” the guard said, turning to him with urgency, “please come with me. You need to see this.”

Donald stood up slowly, Emilia watching with curiosity as he followed the guard out of the room. They walked down the hallway to the glass railing. The guard pointed below.

There, on the main floor, stood Hannah.

But she wasn’t with Derek.

She was with the same man from earlier—the so-called ‘nuisance’—and they were standing close. Too close. Laughing. Talking. Comfortable.

Donald’s eyes narrowed. His face twisted.

“What the hell is this?” he barked.

Emilia came rushing out. “What’s going on? Did Derek do something again?” she asked.

Derek had a track record—and not a good one. The Thornfells had managed to bury his behavior over the years. One of the most serious incidents had been at a nightclub, where Derek had tried to force himself on a girl who turned him down. The matter nearly reached the public, but their lawyers and connections made it disappear. There had been others, swept under the rug just as quickly.

“Hannah!” he roared. “What the hell do you think you’re doing with that man? In front of everyone? Have you lost your damn mind?!”

The crowd froze. Conversations stopped. All eyes turned to Hannah and Jaden.

Hannah quickly stepped away from Jaden and walked up to her father, urgency in her voice. “Dad, it’s him. The man who saved us that night. Don’t you remember?”

She grabbed his arm, shaking him slightly.

Donald’s eyes narrowed. After a pause, realization hit him.

“Oh… So you’re the one. The man I’ve been trying to find for nearly two years.” He moved forward, face lighting up as he extended his hand. “I searched everywhere. No one could trace you. Not a single clue.”

He grasped Jaden’s hand firmly. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be alive right now. Thank you, truly.”

“It’s fine, sir,” Jaden replied calmly.

Donald took a closer look at his face, eyes squinting slightly. “You… you look familiar.”

“I thought so too, Dad,” Hannah said quickly. “But he’s not Jaden. He said his name is Lee.”

Jaden smiled faintly. The moment was almost nostalgic. When they were younger, Hannah used to bring him and his sister over after school. Donald had always welcomed them like his own. Made sure they ate before leaving. For a wealthy man in Ravenmoor, kindness like that was rare.

Before anyone could say more, Derek rushed in and grabbed Emilia’s arm.

“Aunty! Thank God you’re here,” he said breathlessly. “That man—he’s insane! He came in here carrying something wrapped in a white cloth, beat up the guards, and nearly killed Elder Dusk!”