Kayden spoke with such confidence that it instantly warmed Stephanie’s heart. She felt a deep sense of relief, a profound gratitude for witnessing Kayden’s growth. It reassured her to see that he was capable of protecting himself now, and even more so to hear him say such resolute words.
She choked back a sob, took a long, deep breath, and said, “Kayden, I’m fine. I really am. That man… he’s my husband.”
This was no surprise to Kayden. That man was exactly who he thought he was-Stephanie’s husband.
Kayden glanced at Stephanie’s forced smile and shook his head slightly. “No,” he said firmly, “that man doesn’t deserve you anymore.”
Stephanie’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. She stepped sideways, creating some distance, and said, “Kayden, this is my business. Stay out of it.”
“No!” Kayden replied resolutely. “You’re not living well. I have to intervene.”
Stephanie avoided looking at him and lowered her head in silence, her sorrow evident.
Seeing her like this, Kayden continued, his voice steady, “If it weren’t for you back then, I might have died in that dark little room. Everything I have today is thanks to you. Stephanie, I know you’re the only person in this world who’s ever shown me true maternal love. I can’t stand by and watch you be hurt. If he’s harmed you, he’ll have to pay the price.”
Stephanie froze at his unwavering words. She quickly turned to face him. “Kayden, why won’t you listen to me? I’ve told you, this is an adult’s matter. Just focus on your own life.”
Kayden stepped closer, as though wanting to say something, but he stopped himself.
Stephanie gently wiped the corners of her eyes with her hand before speaking again. “Kayden, the Scott family-every single one of them-is still your family. In their hearts, you’re still a child of the Scotts. I know you’ve been holding a grudge over what happened back then. But it wasn’t just my decision to make you leave.”
“I was the one who secretly took you away. But do you think your grandfather didn’t know? The Scott family’s every move was under his watchful eye. There’s no way he didn’t know. He just chose to turn a blind eye.”
“As for your parents’ deaths, perhaps there’s more to the story than we know. Your grandfather valued your father greatly. A tiger doesn’t eat its own cubs. Do you think he would have killed your father over some petty gain? He must have had his reasons.”
Kayden’s stern expression softened slightly, his brows furrowing in thought.
It was true-this was what had held him back. Without this reservation, he would have already destroyed the Scott family.
“Stephanie,” he asked, his voice low, “are you saying that Jason knew you took me away?”
Stephanie sighed deeply, her tone heavy with meaning. “Of course he knew. Your grandfather ruled the Scott family with unmatched authority. He couldn’t not know you had left.”
“In fact, he wanted you to leave.”
“When he found out you had made a name for yourself, that you had achieved glory on the battlefield, he cried tears of joy. He even locked himself in your parents’ room for a whole day and night.”
Hearing this, Kayden’s heart wavered, if only for a moment. But that moment passed quickly.
He could never erase the memory of his parents’ brutal deaths-their blood splattered on his face, seeping into his soul. How could he let it go? How could he ever forget?
Stephanie cautiously asked, “Kayden, are you okay?”
Just as Kayden was about to respond, a man’s voice rang out. “Kayden! There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you-I thought you’d gone somewhere.”
As he spoke, Brodie walked toward Kayden, his face lit up with a warm smile.
“Stephanie!” Brodie greeted her as well.
Stephanie blinked, quickly putting away her sorrow. She forced a smile, raised her hand to pat Brodie on the shoulder, and said, “You’re an adult now.”
Brodie chuckled awkwardly, not replying.
Kayden glanced at him and said meaningfully, “Congratulations on your engagement.”
Brodie’s face lit up at Kayden’s words. “Thank you, Kayden! It means a lot to me that you came to my engagement party and even gave me your blessing. I’m really happy. Truly.”
“It’s nothing. I just came to check on Stephanie,” Kayden replied curtly, his tone cold enough to freeze the atmosphere.
The room fell silent. The air grew awkward. Brodie scratched the back of his head, as if suddenly remembering something.
“Oh, right! Hana heard you were here. She wants to see you! She asked me to bring you to her.”
Kayden shook his head. “No need. I have other matters to attend to. I’ll be leaving now.”
“Wait,” he added, pulling out an exquisitely crafted gift box and handing it to Brodie. “This is for her. You can give it to her on my behalf.”
Brodie stared at the box in surprise. He hadn’t expected Kayden to bring a gift. Kayden, who was always so cold and aloof, who cared for no one, had brought a present for his fiancee. It was shocking.
But Brodie quickly recovered and refused. “No, Kayden. You should give it to her yourself.”
“Kayden,” Brodie said earnestly, “you’re already here. Just come with me to see her. It’s been fifteen years. Have you forgotten how we used to play together?”
“Hana was so happy when she heard you were here. She insisted on seeing you. Please, come with me.”
Under Brodie’s persistent urging, Kayden finally relented and followed him to Hana’s room.
The room was lavishly decorated, exuding warmth and luxury. It was enormous, with an open-air balcony, a private pool, a sprawling bathroom, and countless other things that only the wealthy could afford.
Poverty, after all, limits one’s imagination. The life of the rich is beyond comprehension.
But Kayden’s focus wasn’t on the room. His gaze was fixed on the woman seated in the chair, dressed in an ornate bridal gown.
Her back was to them, her long, jet-black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Several attendants stood respectfully by her side.
“Brodie, is that you?” Her voice was soft and gentle, carrying a hint of warmth. She turned, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.
She was beautiful. Hana was truly stunning.
Even as a child, she had been a budding beauty, and now, she was breathtaking. They say women transform as they grow, and Hana was proof of that.