Chapter 18- Friends and Enemies

The aftermath of the chaos settled like a heavy weight over Anna’s chest. The police had swarmed the reception hall, questioning guests and piecing together the details of the attack. Lilly had been inconsolable, trembling in Anna’s arms.

“Take her back to the hospital,” Jaden ordered, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. His tone left no room for debate.

“I want to go with her,” Anna protested, clutching Emily’s arm as she prepared to leave with Lilly.

Jaden’s dark eyes snapped to hers, a silent warning that sent a shiver down her spine. “No,” he said firmly. “You’ll stay here. I’ve already arranged for two of my best men to watch over her and Emily. She’ll be safe.”

Anna’s lips trembled as she looked at Lilly, her heart breaking at the sight of her sister’s tear-streaked face. “Emily, please keep her safe,” Anna whispered, her voice cracking.

Emily nodded, her gaze steady and reassuring. “I’ll take care of her, Anna. I promise.”

Anna reluctantly let go, watching as Emily carried Lilly out of the destroyed reception hall, flanked by two imposing men in black suits.

Jaden glanced at his parents who mirrored the same expression as his before he placed a hand on Anna’s lower back, guiding her out of the building and toward his waiting car. The drive back to his mansion was silent, the tension between them palpable. Anna’s mind was a whirlwind of fear, anger, and unanswered questions.

When they arrived at the mansion, Jaden strode inside with his usual commanding presence, leaving Anna to trail behind him. She clenched her fists, her frustration boiling over as she followed him into the expansive living room.

“Jaden,” she called out, her voice sharper than she intended.

He paused mid-step, turning to face her with an arched brow. “What is it, Anna?”

“I need to know what happened tonight,” she demanded, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside her. “Who were those men? Why were they after us? Was it because of you?”

Jaden’s eyes darkened, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something raw and dangerous in his gaze. But just as quickly, his expression turned cold and unreadable.

“I don’t owe you an explanation,” he said curtly, turning away from her.

“You don’t owe me—” Anna’s voice rose, but Jaden silenced her with a look that could freeze fire.

“Being married to me comes with certain realities, Anna,” he said, his tone low and dangerous. “You’re in my world now—a world where success breeds enemies. You wanted money to save your sister, and now you have it. But don’t think for a second that it doesn’t come with a price.”

Anna’s breath hitched as his words sank in. She felt a lump forming in her throat but refused to let him see her break.

Jaden stepped closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. “Go to bed, Anna,” he ordered. “You’ve had enough excitement for one night.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway until he disappeared into his room.

Anna stood there, her chest heaving with a mix of fear and anger. She wanted to scream, to demand answers, but she knew it would be pointless. Jaden was a fortress, and she was beginning to realize just how impenetrable his walls were.

Jaden paced his study, the weight of the night’s events pressing heavily on his shoulders. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the glow of his desk lamp. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling in the crystal tumbler as he downed it in one go.

His mind raced with questions, each one more infuriating than the last. Who had the audacity to stage an attack on his wedding celebration? His enemies were many, but this was personal.

He picked up his phone, dialing a number with practiced speed. The line clicked after the first ring.

“Talk,” Jaden barked.

His head of security’s voice came through, steady but laced with tension. “We’re still working on tracing the men that escaped. They were professionals, no identifying marks or connections that we’ve uncovered so far.”

“That’s not good enough,” Jaden growled, his grip tightening on the phone. “I don’t care what it takes—find out who sent them. I want names. I want results.”

“We’ll double our efforts, sir,” the man replied.

Jaden ended the call without another word, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached. He leaned against his desk, his hands gripping the edge as he tried to rein in his fury.

His mind replayed the events of the night—the gunfire, the chaos, the fear etched on Anna’s face. He hated that the perfect wedding he had wanted for the media had been ruined, he hated that all of this was happening but most of all, he hated that he didn’t know who was responsible.

A soft chime from his phone pulled him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen, his brows furrowing as he read the message.

The words were simple, but their meaning was clear.

Jaden’s hand tightened around the phone, his knuckles turning white. His heart pounded in his chest as a cold, calculated rage took hold of him.

He stared at the screen, his expression a mask of controlled fury.

The message wasn’t long, but it was enough to send his blood boiling and his mind racing. He stared at it for a moment longer before gripping the device so tightly it was a wonder it didn’t shatter in his hand.

He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to calm the storm brewing within. Fury wouldn’t serve him now. Precision and control would. He needed answers, and whoever was behind tonight’s chaos had just made the mistake of leaving a breadcrumb.

Setting the phone down, Jaden turned toward the large window that overlooked the sprawling estate. His reflection stared back at him, cold and unrelenting. For years, he had navigated a world rife with power struggles and vendettas, but this attack—on his wedding celebration, no less—was a direct affront to him.

A calculated move.

And whoever was behind this had just made their boldest move yet.

And Jaden Blackwell wasn’t a man who forgave bold moves.