Unrivaled In The World: Rise of Kaiden Blackwood

Chapter 5.

Kai stood before Astrid’s house, the place that once held his future.

Now, it was nothing but a graveyard of lies.

His fist tightened as he knocked.

Heavy footsteps approached from inside.

Then...the door swung open.

Vivian Laurent, Astrid’s mother's sharp eyes landed on him.

For a moment, her brows furrowed. Then, realizing it was Kai and not Astrid, her face twisted in irritation.

“What the hell are you doing here, you lowlife?” she snapped.

Kai didn’t flinch. “I need something from...”

Vivian scoffed, crossing her arms. “You again? Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough?”

Kai held his ground.

Vivian sneered. “Astrid finally found a real man, and here you are… still clinging.” She rolled her eyes. “Pathetic.”

Kai’s jaw tightened but remained calm.

Vivian smirked. “Let me guess. You’re here to beg her to take you back?” She laughed, shaking her head. “News flash, boy… you were never good enough for my daughter.”

Kai exhaled slowly. “I really don't care about Astrid anymore.”

Vivian’s smirk faltered. “Excuse me?”

Kai’s voice was cold. “I came for what’s mine.”

Vivian’s eyes flashed. How dare this thing talk about not wanting her daughter, it should be her daughter not wanting him.

Her eyes flashed with anger. “There is NOTHING of yours here!” she spat. “Everything in this house belongs to Astrid.”

She shoved him back, but Kai barely moved.

Vivian wasn’t done.

“You think you have any right to demand anything?” Her voice rose. “You have nothing. You ARE nothing.”

Kai’s fingers curled into fists.

Vivian jabbed a finger at his chest. “You wasted years of my daughter’s life! You should be paying us for all the time you stole from her!”

Kai scoffed, stepping forward. “Stole?” His voice was sharp. “That’s funny because I bought this house.”

Vivian stiffened. “What nonsense are you...”

Kai cut her off.

“Who paid the mortgage? Me. Who covered the bills, the food, your spa treatments, your son’s gambling habits? Me.” His voice turned razor-sharp. “You’ve been living off me like leeches for years.”

Vivian’s mouth opened, but no words came out.

Kai took a step closer. “And now you have the nerve to tell me to leave?”

Vivian recovered quickly, crossing her arms. “So what?” she snapped. “You think a few bills make you a man? Reginald could buy this house ten times over, my daughter is pursuing a better life!”

Kai scoffed. “Oh, right. Reginald. The married man Astrid threw herself at?” His smirk was ice-cold. “Is that what you call ‘pursuing a better life’?”

Vivian’s eyes flashed with rage. “Astrid deserves the best! Not some pathetic factory worker.”

Kai exhaled through his nose. “You want to talk about compensation?” His voice dropped dangerously low. “Your daughter lied to me. Played me for a fool. Used me while she spread her legs for another man.”

His eyes turned to ice. “She scammed me, Vivian. Your whole damn family did.”

Vivian’s mask cracked.

For the first time, she looked genuinely nervous.

Her voice rose in panic. “I…I’ll call the police if you don’t leave right now!”

Then...

Something caught Kai’s eye.

A glint of silver.

Around Vivian’s neck.

His family heirloom.

The necklace.

The one his mother had entrusted to him. The one he had been ready to give to Astrid.

Rage exploded in his chest.

Kai’s voice turned ice-cold. “That necklace,” he said, his eyes locked on it. “It belongs to me.”

Vivian’s hand flew to her throat.

She scoffed, trying to hide her sudden unease. “This? This is mine.”

Kai took another step forward. “Give. It. Back.”

Vivian’s face twisted in disgust. “Oh, don’t tell me you’re so desperate for money that you’re trying to take back a gift?”

Kai’s patience snapped. “That’s no gift. That’s my family’s legacy.”

Vivian laughed mockingly. “Oh, please. If you were really so noble, you wouldn’t be begging like some broke dog.”

Before Kai could respond...

A new voice cut through the air.

“Well, isn’t this a pathetic sight?”

Sage Laurent.

Astrid’s useless younger brother.

He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a mocking grin on his face.

Vivian’s lips curled into a smirk the moment she saw Sage.

Her little panic evaporated instantly.

With her son here, she no longer felt threatened…she felt powerful.

She crossed her arms, her eyes glinting with mockery and satisfaction as she turned back to Kai.

“Well, look who still thinks he’s entitled to something.” She scoffed. “Sage, can you believe this? The charity case is still here, acting like he belongs.”

She tilted her head, feigning pity. “Honestly, Kai, this is embarrassing.”

Sage chuckled from the doorway, his arms still crossed. “Damn, Kai. Didn’t think you’d sink this low.”

Vivian smirked, gesturing lazily at Kai. “Should we throw him a few scraps, Sage? Maybe a couple of coins for his bus fare?”

Her laughter rang out, sharp and cruel.

Kai’s fists clenched.

Sage clicked his tongue, eyes gleaming with mockery. “If you’re so broke, just say it. You could’ve just asked nicely.” His grin widened. “Hell, if you’re that desperate, why don’t you kneel down and lick my shoes?”

Kai’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Sage snorted. “Oh? Too proud now?” He crossed his arms, smirking. “You know, watching you act all high and mighty is hilarious. Like a stray dog pretending it still belongs in the house.”

Vivian chuckled. “Oh, Sage, be nice. He’s just lost. Like a kicked-out mutt who still thinks it’s welcome.”

Sage laughed. “Right! You should be grateful we even let you stand here.” His expression darkened. “Because trust me, you don’t belong.”

Kai’s fists curled, but he forced himself to stay still.

Sage’s smirk widened at his silence. “Actually… Now that I think about it, how’d you even get that necklace?” His gaze flicked to the heirloom around Vivian’s neck. “Your broke-ass family couldn’t afford something like that. Unless…”

He let out a mocking chuckle.

Kai’s breath slowed.

Sage took a step closer, his grin stretching. “Maybe your mother wasn’t as innocent as you think. She probably spread her legs for some rich men and…”

CRACK!

Kai’s fist connected with Sage’s jaw with a sickening force.

Sage’s body snapped backward, his feet lifting off the ground before he slammed into the wall.

A loud grunt of pain left his throat.

Silence.

Vivian gasped.

Sage groaned, trying to move, but his limbs refused to cooperate.

Kai shook his fist, flexing his fingers.

His voice was cold. Deadly. “Talk now,” he muttered. “I dare you.”