A single, thunderous “Stop!” echoed through the grand hotel lobby, a voice so commanding and overwhelming it seemed to silence the world itself. The music halted, the cacophony of arguments and chatter vanished, leaving only the weight of those words reverberating in the air.
Even Georgia, who had been holding Luther’s hand, instinctively let go at that moment. Her fingers slipped away, as if compelled by the force of that voice alone.
The power in those few words was immense, shaking the very walls of the hotel. Though brief, the sound carried a weight that lingered for long seconds, the echoes bouncing relentlessly off every surface.
All eyes turned toward the source of the disturbance. Standing at the entrance was a pale young man, frail-looking but undeniably striking. He wore a black trench coat, his feet clad in distinctive black military boots. His face was dark and brooding, devoid of any joy or excitement.
The crowd whispered among themselves, their curiosity growing.
“Who is this man?”
“Why is he here?”
Not a single person from the Falcon family or their business associates recognized him.
His presence was chilling, his expression filled with menace and cold fury. Happiness? How could there be happiness in his heart? The woman he loved was about to marry another man-how could he possibly rejoice?
This man was none other than Kayden.
Yes, he had come.
And he had come in a manner that matched perfectly with his identity and personality-a dramatic, forceful entrance that stopped everything in its tracks.
To Scarlett, this was the last person she wanted to see. To Luther, this was the person he most eagerly awaited.
Scarlett dreaded his arrival because she feared he would ruin her daughter’s big day. Luther, on the other hand, welcomed him because he wanted to humiliate Kayden, to flaunt his dominance. Kayden had embarrassed him too many times, and this was his chance to strike back. To reclaim his pride.
After all, Luther was a man who never let slights go unpunished. His vengeful nature defined him.
As for Georgia, her feelings were tangled and conflicted. She didn’t know whether she wanted Kayden to witness this scene or not. Part of her wished he hadn’t come, but another part of her couldn’t deny the faint hope that he would.
And now, he was here.
“Who is that man?” members of the Falcon family murmured in confusion.
“No idea. Never seen him before.”
“Who are you?” the Falcon matriarch, leaning on her cane, stepped forward. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she addressed him. “Are you here to stop my grandson’s engagement?”
The elderly woman, fierce and protective, marched toward him like a mother hen shielding her chicks. An outsider challenging the Falcon family was a direct insult, one she would not tolerate.
Though the Falcon family was only a second-tier family in the capital, they ruled over Hiphia like kings.
Kayden didn’t respond. He didn’t even glance at the old woman. His unwavering gaze remained fixed on Georgia.
Georgia, in a red dress-not a wedding gown, just a simple dress-looked stunning. Despite her obvious exhaustion, her makeup concealed the weariness in her face. To Kayden, she was as beautiful as ever.
One of the Adams family members whispered to the matriarch, “Grandma, he’s Georgia’s ex-husband.”
The old woman’s expression shifted. Realization dawned on her, followed by a sneer. “Oh, so you’re the fool? I wondered who it might be.”
Her tone turned mocking, dripping with disdain. She looked down on Kayden, utterly contemptuous. She had heard of Georgia’s “foolish” husband before, but now that she saw him in person, her scorn only deepened.
Kayden didn’t acknowledge her or anyone else. His focus remained on Georgia.
Their eyes met, and in her gaze, he saw tears glistening. Why? Why was there such sorrow in her eyes if she had so decisively chosen to leave him?
He took a step forward, his lips parting to speak, but before he could, Scarlett interjected.
“You idiot!” she snapped, stepping in front of him. “What are you doing here? Today is Georgia’s big day! Get out! We didn’t invite you!”
Scarlett had experienced Kayden’s capabilities before, and she was determined to prevent him from ruining everything.
Now, others in the room began to understand who Kayden was.
“So that’s him? Miss Adams’ ex-husband? The fool?”
“I thought he’d look different. What’s he doing here?”
“Wow, that guy really doesn’t know his place, huh? Chasing after a woman way out of his league like that.”
Kayden ignored the murmurs around him. His fierce gaze remained locked on Georgia, as if trying to see into her soul. But he couldn’t. He couldn’t read her anymore. He loved her too much to see her as an enemy, to truly understand what lay behind her tears.
After a few moments, his hand rose slightly, and he spoke in a calm, steady voice.
“Georgia, come with me.”
He didn’t care to ask any questions. He didn’t want to explain himself. All he wanted was for her to leave with him.
To him, the noise around him was meaningless chatter-worthless words from people who didn’t matter.
Scarlett, however, exploded in anger. Hands on her hips, she glared at him.
“Are you here just to cause trouble? Do you think you can give Georgia happiness? What do you have to offer her? Nothing but tears and despair! That’s all you’ve ever given her!”
She pointed toward the stage, where a mountain of cash was stacked, glimmering under the lights.
“See that? Two million, eight hundred eighty-eight thousand in cash! Have you ever seen that much money in your life? Look at the house in the capital-a beautiful villa! Do you even own property in the capital? Can you afford a villa? And what about the Bentley worth eight million dollars? Do you have that kind of money?
“Look at the house in Hiphia for Leah! Do you have the sincerity to offer anything like that?
“When Georgia married you, she got nothing. Worse than nothing-she lost her reputation, wasted three years of her life, and brought shame upon herself!
“And now, after all her suffering, she finally has a chance at a happy life. Why are you here to ruin it? Do you think Georgia can’t be happy without you?
“I’m telling you-she can, and she will! With the Falcon family, she’ll be respected and cherished. What can you offer her, Kayden? Words? Promises?
“Georgia is on the verge of happiness now. I’m begging you-please, let her go! Let her have the life she deserves. You can’t give her what she needs. Someone else already has. Accept it and leave her alone! If you have any gratitude for the three years we supported you, then walk away!”