Vicente declared firmly, “Without the family head’s approval, can this even be called an engagement banquet? It’s one thing if outsiders don’t understand, but do you intend to deceive yourselves as well?”
Turning to Brodie, Vicente commanded with authority, “Brodie, go and bring your grandfather here. Tell him Kayden will be arriving soon.” Vicente, the eldest brother of the family, exuded confidence as he gave his orders.
Meanwhile, Jason sat in a private room, sipping tea. Outwardly, he appeared calm, but inwardly he was filled with unease. How could he not want to step outside and take charge of the event? After all, this was his grandson’s engagement banquet.
Both Kayden and Brodie were his grandsons. Yet, Jason felt a deep sense of guilt toward Kayden and had always regarded him as the true successor of the Scott family. That was why he valued Kayden so highly.
“Sigh!” Jason let out a heavy sigh. He wondered how Billy and Ann were doing with picking up Kayden.
At the root of it all, Jason hoped Kayden would come, even if just to make an appearance. He wanted everyone to know that Kayden was the heir to the Scott family.
The Scott family had to be handed to Kayden. There was no other choice.
Jason was determined to have Kayden present at the engagement banquet to solidify his position. He wanted the Scott family’s scheming members to respect Kayden and recognize that the role of family head belonged to him.
Jason believed in Kayden’s abilities. His greatest wish was to see Kayden take over as the family head in his lifetime, leading the Scott family to stand out among the four great families.
At that moment, Jason’s phone rang. He picked it up and saw it was Billy calling.
“Master, we’ve picked up Young Master Kayden!” Billy’s voice was filled with emotion.
Jason sprang to his feet, his excitement nearly making him dizzy. “Really? Kayden agreed to come home with you?”
“Yes, Master,” Billy confirmed. “We’re on our way back now.”
“Good, good, good!” Jason repeated, a wave of relief washing over him.
Just then, Brodie entered the room. He looked at his grandfather with a sincere expression. “Grandfather, the relatives have all arrived. They’re waiting for you to come out.”
Brodie’s brow furrowed slightly as he spoke, contemplating how to phrase his next words.
Unexpectedly, Jason didn’t ask if Kayden had arrived. Instead, he simply nodded and said, “Alright, I understand.”
With that, Jason strode out of the room, leaving Brodie momentarily stunned. He hadn’t even finished his sentence, yet Jason agreed so quickly.
A short while later, Jason arrived at the main hall and began greeting the guests. The entire Scott family breathed a collective sigh of relief. However, their relief was quickly replaced by a sense of tension.
Jason’s presence confirmed that Kayden had agreed to attend the engagement banquet.
Kayden’s arrival, however, brought mixed feelings.
To the nation, Kayden was a hero-a war god whose name struck fear into the hearts of enemies. But to the Scott family, he was a volatile figure who could destroy them at any moment.
Although many were uneasy, no one dared to voice their concerns. Jason’s joy was evident, and no one wanted to dampen his spirits.
Not long after, members of the Whitley family arrived, followed closely by Kayden and Billy.
Jason was overjoyed during the ceremony. Seeing Kayden appear filled him with indescribable excitement.
However, Kayden’s first action upon entering was to warn Jason sternly. He made it clear he didn’t want a grand introduction. He even threatened that if Jason introduced him to the family, he would turn the Scott household upside down.
Faced with this threat, Jason abandoned his initial plan. Yet, he remained elated.
Kayden, on the other hand, maintained his usual silence. His expression was unreadable, neither happy nor displeased.
Everyone understood why Jason was so happy-it was because Kayden had come.
The Scott family members couldn’t help but glance at Kayden from time to time. Some of their looks were filled with disdain, but no one dared to say a word. Jason’s happiness kept everyone in check.
After the feast, as relatives began to leave, Kayden’s gaze fell on Stephanie.
Without hesitation, he got up and walked toward her. He hadn’t seen Stephanie in ten years. If not for the thought of seeing her, he wouldn’t have come at all.
Stephanie looked worn and haggard-no longer the vibrant and warm woman she once was.
Kayden noticed a faint redness around her mouth, resembling the mark of a slap.
“Stephanie!” Kayden hesitated before calling her name.
Stephanie’s eyes landed on Kayden’s face, her gaze flickering with emotion. She studied him intently, remaining silent for a long time. Finally, she spoke. “Kayden!”
Three years ago, Kayden might not have reacted emotionally. But over the past three years, Georgia’s influence had changed him. He was no longer the cold, detached man he used to be. Instead, he had become someone capable of deep emotion and loyalty.
“What happened to your face?” he asked cautiously.
Stephanie didn’t answer. Instead, she studied him for a moment before taking his hand. “Come with me. There are too many people here. Let’s talk somewhere else.”
She led Kayden to a quieter part of the Scott family estate.
This was the family’s side courtyard, a secluded area rarely visited except by servants.
Once they arrived, Stephanie’s expression changed. Her face filled with sorrow and emotion, and tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.
Seeing her tear-streaked face, Kayden instinctively reached out to wipe her tears.
But Stephanie grabbed his hand, holding it tightly. Her eyes locked onto his face as her voice trembled. “Kayden, have you been well all these years?”
Her hand rose involuntarily, resting on his face. The two of them stood close, so close they could hear each other’s heartbeats. Though they weren’t lovers, their bond was deeper than that of most couples.
Stephanie vividly remembered how miserable Kayden’s time in the Scott family had been.
Looking at him now, she didn’t know whether to feel joy or sorrow.
“I know,” she said softly. “I know that behind all the honors you’ve earned over the years lies unimaginable pain and suffering. Look at you. You’re only twenty-five, yet your face shows no emotion.”
Her hand gently caressed his face as tears fell once more.
It hurt.
Her heart ached deeply for him.