Georgia Adams looked at the man cautiously. Everything about him-his presence, his tone-fit the image of a true commander. His words carried such weight that they began to shake her belief in Kayden Scott.
Unlike Kayden, who was cold and often unpredictable, this man had an undeniable authority that made him seem like the genuine leader. The thought crept into her mind: Could it be? Could Kayden Scott really be a fraud?
The commander’s voice broke into her thoughts, “You’ve been by his side long enough. You should know the kind of person he is. I’m sure you’ve seen my influence in him-after all, he was once my subordinate.”
Boom! The room seemed to shake with his words. This revelation landed like a thunderclap on Georgia. Kayden Scott, his subordinate? Her confidence wavered, unable to believe yet unsure.
In truth, the young commander’s similarities to Kayden were all part of an act. He had studied and emulated Kayden Scott’s mannerisms and presence, crafting an image to deceive.
Unfazed, he continued, “Perhaps you’re curious about his past. Allow me to enlighten you. Out of jealousy for my success, he betrayed us. He sold vital information, allowing our enemies a chance to strike at Seclela. I gave everything to defend Seclela, only to be betrayed by someone I trusted. If it weren’t for my Zodiac Generals and the Eight Royal Regiments rallying to the cause, Seclela’s borders would have fallen.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
“The Adams family brought such a man into their home and even let him marry into the family!” someone exclaimed.
“This would have been a crime punishable by death in ancient times!” added another.
Kendall clenched his fists, visibly angered. “What a treasonous scoundrel! Unforgivable!”
His purpose was clear: to destroy Georgia’s faith in Kayden and bolster his own image as the true commander.
“No!” Georgia shook her head resolutely. “It’s impossible. Kayden isn’t like that!”
The young commander nodded, unperturbed. “Nothing is impossible. He committed a crime punishable by death on the battlefield. But I, seeing his past achievements, chose not to kill him. I wounded him severely and exiled him. I never expected he would use my name to deceive, con, and tarnish my reputation.”
He grew visibly angrier as he spoke, his words a barrage that hung in the air.
Kendall’s anger mounting, said, “Commander, perhaps you were too lenient. Betrayal of that magnitude deserved death.”
The commander’s sharp gaze turned to Kendall. “Are you questioning my judgment?”
Kendall quickly backed down. “No, sir! I wouldn’t dare.”
The young commander’s warning look was enough to silence Kendall.
Everyone noted the stark contrast in their dynamic, understanding immediately who commanded true respect.
Eager to move on, Kendall asked, “So, you’ve known about his actions all along?”
With a confident smirk, the young commander replied, “Of course. As long as he’s within Seclela, he can’t escape my sight. I’ve watched him closely these past years. After I wounded him, Christopher Adams brought him into the Adams family. He had his granddaughter marry him, seeing potential in his background and believing he would one day make a name for himself.”
“After all,” he added with a hint of pride, “he was my subordinate. Anyone who has served under me is marked by a sense of glory.”
He sighed, shaking his head. “I had hoped this marriage would change his life and redeem him. But instead, he doubled down on his deceit. He’s even gone so far as to impersonate me. I feared that if I didn’t act soon, he would come to believe he could replace me.”
The young commander fell silent, his expression freezing in place, as though uncertain whether his story had fully convinced Georgia.
But murmurs in the crowd suggested that several listeners were already persuaded, especially those familiar with Christopher Adams.
“Yes! Christopher Adams did indeed bring a fool into the family and made his granddaughter marry him! Who would have thought that fool was a traitor-a vile thief!”
“If Christopher Adams knew, he’d be rolling in his grave!”
Georgia’s mind swirled. Though she wanted to believe in Kayden, the man’s words were disturbingly persuasive. Each detail made it harder to reject his claims outright.
Seeing her dazed expression, the commander seized his moment. “Tell me where he is, Georgia. I’ll keep my promise. I won’t harm his family. I only want him.”
The finality in his words seemed to make him even more commanding, with onlookers whispering admiration for his sense of justice and loyalty.
But suddenly, Georgia’s gaze hardened. Her eyes met his, filled with renewed conviction. “I don’t believe you!” she declared boldly.