Kayden’s gaze shifted away as he released his grip. Old Mrs. Adams stumbled back, steadied by Jamie’s parents. With a calm demeanor, Kayden addressed her, his voice level but firm.
“Let me make one thing clear: I won’t stand for anyone slandering my wife. She’s not to be blamed for things she hasn’t done.”
He continued, his tone measured but resolute. “Madam, my wife’s silence isn’t an invitation for abuse. It’s out of respect for you and the Adams family. But how have you repaid that respect? You’ve taken advantage of her kindness, even demanding more!”
Kayden’s words gained momentum. “You’ve pushed her to the fringes, treating her like a servant rather than family. You’ve humiliated her with menial tasks at the company, making her a laughingstock. Did you ever stop to consider her feelings? Or mine? No, you didn’t. Has anyone here truly welcomed her as part of this family? No, not once.”
His voice rose slightly, indignation clear in his tone. “While Layla and Jamie fritter away their time, you shower them with praise. Is this your idea of fairness in a prestigious family? There’s not a shred of justice here. In your eyes, my wife’s life holds no value. What, because she married someone you deemed a fool, she deserves this treatment?”
The room fell into a stunned silence, Kayden’s words hanging heavy in the air. Everyone stared, wide-eyed and slack-jawed.
This wasn’t the fool they knew. This was a man transformed, memories restored, fiercely protective of his wife. His impassioned speech left no doubt he was far from simple-minded.
The tension in the room was palpable, the silence deafening.
Georgia gazed at Kayden, her heart swelling with emotion. She’d never imagined he could be so articulate, so passionate in her defense. Despite his occasional missteps, in this moment, she felt truly cherished. No matter the opposition, he stood as her unwavering shield.
Finally, Emmalynn broke the silence, her voice dripping with disdain. “That’s right. It’s because she married you, a good-for-nothing. Our family’s girls are meant to bring prestige and advantage. What has she gained from this union? Nothing. If she doesn’t work, how will she support you? The audacity of your words is astounding.”
Kayden nodded slightly, his eyes sweeping across the room. His next words fell like hammer blows. “So this is how the Adams family truly feels. Very well. Let me make this abundantly clear: from this moment on, anyone who dares to mistreat my wife will face severe consequences. If the head of the Adams family is involved, I’ll bring this entire clan to its knees. And in its place, I’ll raise ten, no, a hundred families to greater heights!”
The room erupted in shock. Eyes widened, jaws dropped. Was this a joke? No, Kayden’s expression was deadly serious.
Where did this confidence come from? No one knew, but no one dared question it.
Kayden wasn’t finished. “Remember this: my wife’s husband is no fool. She will be the most revered woman in this world. The Adams family? Insignificant. In this vast world, no one touches my wife. To harm her is to make an enemy of our entire nation!”
Kayden’s declaration rang out, clear and uncompromising. His words reverberated through the room, leaving everyone stunned.
The man they’d dismissed as simple-minded had transformed before their eyes. It was as if a sleeping dragon had suddenly awakened.
Every word Kayden spoke was charged with sincerity and determination.
Three years. For three long years, Georgia had sacrificed everything her reputation, her happiness all for their marriage. Now, Kayden vowed to protect her with his very life. In his eyes, she deserved nothing less than to be the most honored woman in the world.
Kayden’s protection wasn’t just his own it carried the weight of an entire nation. Who would dare oppose the War God of Seclela, a man who could command millions with a single word? His presence alone was enough to make anyone tremble.
Georgia’s hand instinctively gripped Kayden’s shirt, her face aglow with happiness. His words spoken in front of the entire Adams family, in her moment of need were more than just a declaration of love. They were a vow, elevating her above all others in his heart.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Georgia could barely contain herself. She hadn’t misjudged him after all. Kayden was a man of his word, proving his devotion not just in this moment, but consistently throughout their time together. With him by her side, she felt truly safe.
Even Scarlett’s perception of Kayden shifted. The man she’d dismissed as a fool had risen to the occasion, defending her daughter when it mattered most. He might not have wealth, but his sense of responsibility was admirable.
Having witnessed Old Mrs. Adams’s treatment of Georgia over the years, Scarlett felt a pang of guilt. Though she’d often muttered harsh words, what mother doesn’t ache for her daughter’s happiness? She’d wanted a wealthy son-in-law, both for her own pride and her daughter’s comfort. But a parent’s love runs deep, and despite her initial dislike of Kayden, her daughter’s happiness was paramount.
If Georgia chose Kayden, Scarlett would stand by that decision.
“Grandma! Grandma!” Jamie’s weak voice cut through the tension. From his hospital bed, he pointed a trembling finger at Kayden. “It was him… he did this to me. Georgia put him up to it. He’s the reason I’m lying in the hospital. You must… you must make them pay!”