Since regaining consciousness, Jamie had been adamant his condition was the work of Kayden and Georgia. This conviction had fueled the Adams family’s certainty in accusing the couple.
Kayden’s gaze settled on Jamie. With a casual “Oh?”, he asked, “You claim I did this. Where’s your proof?”
Turning to address Old Mrs. Adams and the others, Kayden dropped a bombshell. “If Jamie can prove I’m responsible, I’ll submit to whatever the law demands. But if he can’t… well, that’s slander. And I won’t let anyone who slanders my wife or me off the hook.”
All eyes in the room darted between Kayden and the bedridden Jamie.
Jamie’s father’s face twitched. Pointing at Kayden, he sputtered, “Fine! We were going to show some family consideration. But if that’s how you want to play it, don’t blame us. You’re finished, boy!”
Turning to his son, he urged, “Come on, show them the evidence. We’ll make them pay dearly!”
Jamie nodded weakly. “I…”
“Wait,” Kayden cut in. “We need someone else here.”
“Who?” Jamie’s father narrowed his eyes. “Getting cold feet, are we?”
Kayden didn’t dignify that with a response. He simply clapped his hands. The door creaked open, and in strode a sharp-looking middle-aged man. His uniform was crisp, exuding an air of authority. Each step he took was measured, powerful, and commanding.
Standing at about six feet, with thick eyebrows and a square jaw, the man had an unmistakably stern demeanor. One look, and you knew he wasn’t someone to be trifled with.
“Mr. Buller!” Old Mrs. Adams couldn’t contain herself. Her face transformed into a smile as she moved to greet him.
Neville Buller, captain of Hiphia’s security force, was a man many sought to curry favor with. Old Mrs. Adams saw his arrival as a golden opportunity. If she could get in his good graces, the Adams family’s future would be secured.
But she froze mid-step. Neville had snapped to attention, offering Kayden a crisp, military salute. His posture was ramrod straight, like a flag pole. His eyes, filled with reverence, looked at Kayden as if gazing upon an idol. Despite Neville’s taller frame, his gaze was one of looking up to Kayden.
To Neville, Kayden was indeed an idol, someone he’d always strived to emulate. Even with his own lower rank, he’d done everything to get closer to Kayden’s level. How could he not show the utmost respect?
When he’d received the call earlier, Neville thought he’d misheard. To think it was really this legendary figure! Eight years ago, during a regional investigation, he’d had the privilege of meeting Kayden once.
Since then, he’d followed Kayden’s story closely. So despite Kayden’s youth, he loomed like a mountain before Neville. Words failed to capture Kayden’s greatness; all Neville could do was offer a salute, a gesture of profound respect.
The scene left everyone slack-jawed. This was Neville, the renowned Iron Neville of Inassea!
Neville was known for his results. With his skills and experience, he could easily have been a provincial captain. But his uncompromising style had kept him in Hiphia.
Once, someone tried to bribe Neville. They ended up arrested and convicted on the spot. After that, no one dared approach Neville with underhanded deals. He showed no favoritism.
Another time, when a superior told him to turn a blind eye to certain matters, that leader soon found himself out of a job. Neville was uncompromising, both respected and resented. Respected for his competence and the discipline he instilled, resented for his inflexibility and failure to “read the room.”
Rumor had it he’d even brought charges against his own father-in-law. People feared dealing with him, worried one misstep would land them behind bars.
Some had tried to bring him down, frustrated by how he’d hindered their “business prospects.” But they could never find a single blemish on his record. Eventually, they gave up.
These incidents earned him a new moniker: Iron Neville.
He was a nightmare for those in power, but a blessing for ordinary citizens. Crime rates plummeted wherever he worked.
And yet, this paragon of impartiality was showing such deference to Kayden. What could Kayden have done to command such respect from someone like Neville?
Had Kayden done something extraordinary? If so, why didn’t the Adams family know about it?
Shock and fear painted the faces of the Adams family members. They shocked at Iron Neville’s attitude towards Kayden, and feared at their own treatment of him.
Old Mrs. Adams stood frozen halfway across the room, caught in an awkward limbo, unsure whether to advance or retreat.
Kayden seemed unfazed by Neville’s display. With a casual wave, he said, “Enough. Let’s get down to business.”
Turning to the Adams family, he added with a hint of disdain, “To prove our innocence, Mr. Buller will be witnessing our conversation.”
Understanding the situation, Neville pulled out a notepad and pen. Looking at Jamie, he stated, “Everything you say from this point on can be used as court evidence. But be warned: any false accusations will also be recorded as evidence against you.”
Jamie’s father balked. “What gives you the right to mediate? He called you here. How do we know you two haven’t cooked something up?”
At these words, Neville’s face darkened. His eyes, now fixed on Jamie’s father, could have bored holes through steel.