His voice was low, raspy, and laced with years of weariness and unending pain. Kayden Scott gripped the car handle and stepped out, each step steady and deliberate.
Seeing this, Jason Scott quickly backed away, as if fearing Kayden’s mere presence would cut right through him.
As Kayden stepped out, the crowd couldn’t help but size him up-and disappointment filled them.
They’d expected him to look polished, imposing, a true legend. Instead, Kayden stood there in plain attire that struck them as downright shabby.
Julian muttered under her breath, “This is supposed to be the legendary War God? My nail polish probably cost more than that outfit. And he thinks he’s fit to be head of the family? Dream on.”
Neve joined in with a low chuckle, adding, “I’m the first to object.”
Ann Scott, however, stared at her cousin with wide eyes. Raised abroad, this was her first time meeting him. Maybe it was his realness-his rugged look and cold, unyielding expression-that stirred a flicker of admiration in her.
After a lifetime surrounded by posers, there was something magnetic about his authenticity.
Kayden’s gaze swept across the massive Scott family estate. His eyes, cold and unfeeling, took in the grandeur with distant familiarity. To him, this mansion was a palace harboring ghosts and devils.
Jason Scott hesitated, and said, “Everything here is as it was, just like it was when you lived here, Kayden. Remember those days you used to play here with Brodie?”
He pointed to a stone on the ground, smiling at the memory.
With a warm smile, Brodie stepped forward. “That’s right, big bro. Nothing has changed at home. Welcome back!”
Kayden looked at Brodie for a beat, acknowledging him with just a glance.
Then he pointed to a tall building at the far end, the family’s grand hall, and said coldly, “That’s where my parents died-right there, with every one of you watching.”
The room froze. No one expected those words to be the first thing out of his mouth.
He turned and pointed to the western tower. “That dungeon there? That’s where I was locked up for five years. I remember it all. Every bit of it. Forget? How could I?”
Jason’s face twitched, and he choked out, “Kayden, I know you hate me, but-”
“Hate?” Kayden sneered, cutting him off.
“You think ‘hate’ is enough to cover it? The day I left this place, I swore I had no family, no kin.”
His words hung in the air like a sledgehammer, silencing the room and sending a shiver through Jason, who cast his eyes downward.
“So tell me,” Kayden went on, his voice as hard as iron. “Why did you summon me here? For me to flatten this place, burn it to the ground? Or should each one of you line up and pay your debt with your lives?”
The weight of his words slammed into the room, leaving everyone speechless. Even Jason dared not meet Kayden’s gaze.
Neve rolled her eyes, dabbing her face with sunscreen. “Kayden, don’t you think you’re a little ungrateful? We’re here, welcoming you with open arms. Isn’t that enough? After all these years, can’t you let the past go?”
Let go? How could he? Nightmarish memories like those? Impossible.
“If it weren’t for what happened,” Neve went on, “would you be the man you are today? Would you be this ‘War God’? Let’s face it, you owe the Scott family for making you who you are. You should be grateful we’re giving you a place here, despite everything.”
Kayden’s rage flared, his body practically vibrating with barely restrained fury. What was she saying? That his parents had deserved to die?
Jason, barely holding it together, whirled on Neve, smashing his cane into the ground. “Shut up!” he bellowed. “You dare speak out of turn? You want to die here today?”
He slapped her hard, the sharp crack of his hand echoing. She staggered, a bright red mark blooming across her cheek. Neve stumbled backward, stunned, but her retort was cut short by Jason’s bloodshot glare.
Turning to Vicente, Jason struck him too, livid. “You can’t even keep your own wife in line, and you think you have a place in the Scott family? Pathetic!”
“Enough,” Kayden’s voice rang out, cold and final. “Stop the charade.”
He took a step forward, steady, powerful, his every move like that of a king surveying his kingdom. Hundreds of people stood there, and yet Kayden stood alone, exuding a confidence, a sovereignty, that made the crowd almost believe he was born to rule.