A few minutes later, a luxurious business car rolled to a stop at the gates of Emerald Jewelry Store. Out stepped an elderly man with a hunched back and a face as serious as a judge’s. This wasn’t just anyone-it was Jerome Stevens himself.
Without hesitation, Jerome strode into the grand hall of Emerald Jewelry Store, where Roland Hadley quickly rushed over to greet him.
“Stevens, finally, you’re here!” Roland said with a flattering smile.
Jerome gave a curt nod before asking, “Hadley, it’s been a while. How’s business treating you lately?”
“Thanks to you, it’s doing alright,” Roland replied, his tone obsequious.
Jerome, never one to beat around the bush, pressed on, “So, what’s got you calling me here in such a hurry?”
The casual camaraderie between the two was enough to send the onlookers into a frenzy. Everyone concluded that Kayden Scott was done for-Scarlett Wood included.
With concern etched on her face, Scarlett asked tentatively, “Georgia, does Kayden really know Old Mr. Stevens? He seems pretty tight with Mr. Hadley.”
Georgia Adams swallowed nervously but remained resolute. “Don’t worry, Mom. Trust Kayden.”
Although Scarlett was anxious, she didn’t know Jerome Stevens personally and felt too awkward to approach him.
Roland chuckled slyly, pulling out the Blood Diamond Ring that Kayden had handed him earlier. “Hey, old pal, is this ring yours?”
Jerome’s sharp eyes landed on the ring. He shook his head. “Nope, not mine.”
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Kayden Scott, eager to see how he’d explain himself out of this mess.
“Told ya, he’s just a fool. You don’t seriously think he knows Old Mr. Stevens, do you?” someone snickered.
Jerome frowned and added, “I already gave mine away. That ring should be yours, shouldn’t it?”
At that moment, Kayden Scott’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Jerome Stevens, who did you give your Blood Diamond Ring to?”
Jerome froze. His sharp gaze found Kayden, and recognition dawned.
Nearby, Reece glared at Kayden and barked, “Who the hell do you think you are? You don’t get to say Old Mr. Stevens’ name!”
Without a second’s hesitation, Jerome raised his hand and struck Reece so hard that blood dripped from his nose as he stumbled backward. If not for someone catching him, he would’ve hit the floor.
“How dare you!” Jerome bellowed, his voice booming like cannon fire. “You think you have the right to talk in front of my benefactor?”
Jerome turned on his heel and approached Kayden Scott, his steps hurried and respectful. With a deep bow, he greeted, “Sir, I didn’t realize you were here. My sincerest apologies for not seeing you earlier!”
The crowd-Roland Hadley, Reece, Melanie, Ophelia, and Scarlett Wood-stood dumbfounded. The esteemed Jerome Stevens, a man of unshakable influence in Hiphia, was bowing before the Adams family’s “foolish” live-in son-in-law.
Georgia, however, remained unfazed. She’d seen too much of Kayden’s mysterious side to be surprised anymore. She believed whatever he said, no questions asked.
“Roland lost his Blood Diamond Ring,” Kayden said coldly, his tone devoid of any emotion. “He claims my mother-in-law stole it. I want you to tell him: isn’t that the ring I had you give her?”
Jerome’s eyes darted to Scarlett Wood, and understanding flickered across his face. Roland Hadley, you’ve really screwed up this time!
“Roland Hadley!” Jerome roared. “That’s the Blood Diamond Ring I gifted to my benefactor’s mother-in-law! Do you have a death wish?”
Roland’s face turned ghostly pale as he realized his mistake.
“Stevens, I-I didn’t know! I’m so sorry!” Roland stammered, his steps faltering as he shuffled toward Kayden in sheer panic. “This was all a misunderstanding! I had no idea the ring was from Stevens. Please, sir, forgive me. To show my sincerity, your esteemed mother-in-law can pick whatever she likes from my collection. My treat!”
Jerome stepped in, trying to smooth things over. “Sir, he must’ve been confused. He also owns a similar ring, so maybe…”
Kayden sneered. “I already told you-if you’re going to give it back, you’d better be kneeling. Standing doesn’t cut it.”
Roland’s face turned red with embarrassment. “Stevens, I was only joking when I said that. Surely-”
“Joking?” Jerome snapped. “Kneel. Return the ring properly!”
“But, there are so many people watching…” Roland protested weakly.
“Do you want to lose your business?” Jerome thundered.
Realizing there was no way out, Reece quickly dropped to his knees. “It’s all my fault! I’ll kneel, okay? Please, don’t blame my boss!”
Kayden spared him a disdainful glance before kicking him with enough force to send him flying into a jewelry counter. Glass shattered, sending precious stones scattering across the floor. Some jade bracelets even broke into pieces, eliciting gasps from onlookers.
“He’s not qualified,” Kayden said icily, his voice dripping with authority.
Roland Hadley, trembling, finally dropped to his knees. “I’m sorry, sir. It’s my fault. Here, I’m returning what’s yours.”
Kayden glared at him. “It’s my mother-in-law’s. Return it to her.”
“Yes, yes, of course!” Roland crawled over to Scarlett Wood, the ring in hand. “Ma’am, this is yours. I’m terribly sorry!”
It was the first time Scarlett Wood had witnessed such a commanding display. She never would have imagined that her supposedly useless son-in-law could have such a domineering side-it was a completely refreshing revelation. This was the first time she had seen Kayden show such dominance.
Scarlett, still stunned, glanced at Kayden, seeking his approval. Only after he gave her a slight nod did she take the ring.
“Thank you, ma’am! Thank you so much!” Roland groveled.
Kayden didn’t even spare him a look. Taking Georgia and Scarlett by the hands, he said coolly, “Let’s go home.”
Behind them, Jerome Stevens’ voice rang out reverently, “Safe travels, sir!”