When others heard about Kayden’s identity, they might flaunt it loudly, boasting about having such an extraordinary nephew. But in Stephanie’s eyes, there was only heartache-like a mother looking at her child with boundless affection.
Stephanie knew that to achieve the honor and stature Kayden had, it required sacrifices far beyond what most people could endure. He was only twenty-five. If it weren’t for what happened back then, he might have been a cheerful young man today. But now, he didn’t even wear the smile that belonged to his age; he didn’t even have the dreams typical for someone his age. Instead, he bore burdens that most people could never carry. Who could truly understand what he had been through?
Unlike Brodie, who grew up sheltered in the Scott family’s embrace, never facing the storms of the outside world, Kayden had weathered countless tempests, even life-and-death separations. Both were members of the Scott family, yet how could Stephanie not feel a deep ache in her heart for Kayden?
Unable to control herself, Stephanie threw herself into Kayden’s arms, crying uncontrollably. All the heartache, all her worries about Kayden, turned into tears in that instant, flowing out freely.
She truly felt sorry for Kayden. In her eyes, he was just a poor child. Locked in that small, dark room at the age of ten, sent to the frigid battlefield at fifteen. A battlefield-a hell where death could claim you at any moment.
In Stephanie’s heart, she had once feared that Kayden might have already died there. But against all odds, he had risen to prominence, becoming a commander, a national treasure guarding the borders of his country.
If his parents could see his achievements now, they might shed tears just like her-not tears of pride, but tears of pity for their child. As parents, they would hope for their son to succeed, but never in this way, never at such a cost.
Lying in Kayden’s arms, Stephanie cried like a child, the emotions overwhelming her. Kayden looked down at her, fully understanding her feelings. Gently, he lifted his hand and patted her back, softly comforting her, “It’s okay, Stephanie. I’m fine.”
Hearing his words of reassurance, she cried even harder. That simple “I’m fine” only deepened her sorrow.
After crying for two or three minutes, Stephanie finally began to calm down. But then-
A voice suddenly rang out: “Stephanie!”
It was a man’s voice, roaring with anger, so loud and furious that it shattered their reunion.
Stephanie quickly pushed herself out of Kayden’s arms, frantically wiping away the tears on her face. She looked terrified, deeply afraid of the man who had spoken.
Afraid? Stephanie, who had just reunited with her nephew-why was she so scared?
Kayden’s gaze shifted to the middle-aged man who had interrupted them.
The man was fairly handsome, in his thirties, tall and lean, with a square face and neatly combed hair parted in the middle. He exuded the aura of a cold, aloof businessman. However, his face was flushed red, likely from drinking too much. His eyes were wide with fury, his expression brimming with rage.
“Dennis! Let me explain!” Stephanie pleaded, her face filled with fear and worry as she looked at the man.
Dennis let out a cold laugh, nodding as he sneered, “Explain? What’s left to explain? I saw you in his arms! What more is there to say? Do you take me for an idiot?”
“It’s not what you think, Dennis!” Stephanie’s voice quivered as she desperately tried to reason with him.
From their exchange, it was clear that Dennis was Stephanie’s husband-and from his attitude, he seemed to hold a dominant position in their household.
Dennis, his face red with fury, shouted, “If I hadn’t seen it for myself today, I wouldn’t have believed you’d do this behind my back! Stephanie, you’ve got some nerve! Do you think just because this is your family’s property, you can do whatever you please? Huh? Hugging another man right under my nose?”
As he spoke, Dennis stormed toward them, his voice full of venom. “What is it? Did you tell him I hit you? And now you’re playing the victim, crying to him about how badly I treat you? What’s next? Are you two going to a hotel to stab me in the back? Or are you planning to put on a live show right here?”
Dennis was practically shaking with anger, his hair nearly standing on end.
Stephanie opened her mouth to defend herself, but Kayden cut her off. His sharp gaze landed on her face. “The injury on your face-was it him?”
Before Stephanie could answer, Dennis stepped forward, sneering, “Yeah, it was me. So what? You think you’re gonna stand up for this little tramp? Let me tell you something-I’ll beat her, and I’ll beat you too!”
As he finished speaking, Dennis clenched his fist and charged at Kayden. But before he could get close, Kayden raised his leg and kicked him squarely in the stomach.
The kick hit its mark, sending Dennis flying backward and crashing to the ground.
Lying on the floor, Dennis glared at Kayden, his eyes blazing with fury. His humiliation was unbearable. He had been cheated on-at least in his mind-and now he had been beaten up by the very man he thought was his rival. Who could endure that?
“You just wait! You two-you adulterers-just wait!” Dennis roared, scrambling to his feet and staggering toward the door.
As Dennis disappeared, Stephanie’s face turned pale.
Kayden noticed her unease and spoke softly, “Stephanie, he doesn’t deserve you.”
Stephanie was a member of the Scott family, born into wealth and status. She wasn’t a beauty queen, but she was at least as dazzling as a movie star. Once, she had been elegant and confident, but life had worn her down to this. And now, even a worthless man dared to mistreat her?
Stephanie turned to look at Kayden, her brow furrowed slightly. She shook her head and said, “It’s not what you think, Kayden. He wasn’t always like this. It’s just…” She trailed off, sighing deeply. “Forget it. Let’s not talk about it.”
“He doesn’t deserve you,” Kayden repeated firmly. Straightening his posture, he declared, “Don’t worry. I’ll handle this. No one will bully you.”
Hearing this, Stephanie grew even more anxious. She didn’t want to drag Kayden into her troubles.
“Kayden, I’m fine. Just take care of yourself,” she said quickly, trying to dissuade him.
“Don’t worry,” Kayden said, placing his hands on her shoulders. His voice was calm but unwavering. “No one in this world can bully you.”