Unrivaled In The World: Rise of Kaiden Blackwood

Chapter 7

Astrid paced around the hospital room, her anger bubbling over as she thought of everything Kai had done since he discovered the truth.

"That bastard!" she seethed. "Who does he think he is? I swear, he’ll regret ever crossing me!"

Vivian, seated beside her son, frowned. "Enough, Astrid." Her tone was sharp. "Think about your child."

She reached for Astrid’s hand, voice lowering. "The best way to deal with that lowlife is to marry Reginald as soon as possible. Once you're his wife, Kai will have no choice but to give up. He’ll realize he was never meant to be in our world.”

Before Astrid could respond, the door swung open.

Reginald Thompson strolled in, dressed impeccably as always, a basket of expensive fruits in hand. His presence alone shifted the atmosphere, and both women straightened.

"My apologies for not being here sooner," he said smoothly, flashing a charming smile. "I should’ve been here to help, but don’t worry...I’ll personally make sure that nobody pays for what he did."

Vivian’s expression softened instantly.

"Reginald," she gushed.

"You’re too good to us. That ungrateful wretch should be the one groveling, but instead, you’re the one apologizing? It’s Kai who needs to pay!"

Reginald set the fruit basket on the table, adjusting his cufflinks with a knowing smirk. "And he will, mother-in-law. You have my word."

Vivian beamed, hearing such a man call her mother-in-law was a dream come true.

Sage, lying on the hospital bed with a bruised jaw, scoffed. "It’s fine," he muttered. "Kai's just desperate. He even showed up today in some fancy rented car, probably spent his last dime trying to act like he’s something."

Reginald’s brow lifted slightly. "A rented car?"

Sage chuckled darkly. "Yeah. Probably spent his last dime just to put on a show. But we all know the truth…he’s nothing. Always has been, always will be."

He turned to Reginald, voice laced with flattery. "That’s why it’s good Astrid has you. A real man. Someone with power, wealth, and status. Not some broke failure still clinging to the past."

Astrid flushed slightly but didn’t deny it. A twisted sense of satisfaction curled in her stomach.

"Vivian seized the moment.

"That’s right, Astrid! You cannot let this opportunity slip away. Reginald is an excellent man. You’d be a fool not to secure this marriage immediately."

Sage grinned, nudging Astrid. "You know, all my friends are jealous of me. Having Reginald as a brother-in-law? That’s elite status. Astrid, you’ve got it made."

Astrid glanced at Reginald, her expression growing softer.

Reginald simply watched them as he took his seat, his fake smile never fading.

They were so predictable. So easy to manipulate.

He didn’t care about Astrid.

Her background was improper, she was shallow, and she lacked the grace of a true upper-class woman.

But she was carrying his child.

And he needed an heir. He'd been married for years without an heir but Astrid was finally carrying what he desires most and he'll get his child from her.

For now, he would play the part. Stroke their egos. Give them the illusion of security.

But once he had what he wanted, in a few years...

Astrid and her worthless family would be discarded like yesterday’s trash. He wasn’t going to associate with them for long.

Reginald leaned back in his chair, a smug smile playing on his lips.

"The wedding venue is set," he announced, glancing at Astrid and her family. "It will be held at the air auditorium in the top-level villa district."

Silence.

Astrid’s breath hitched. She blinked, unsure if she had heard him correctly.

"The… air auditorium?" she repeated, her voice trembling with disbelief.

Vivian gasped, clutching her chest like she was about to faint. Sage shot up in bed despite his injuries.

The air auditorium.

The most prestigious venue in the entire city...maybe even the country.

A place where only the wealthiest, the most powerful, the truly untouchable held their grandest events.

Just visiting the villa area required strict financial verification and an insane membership f*e. But booking the air auditorium for a wedding?

It was something Astrid had never dared to dream of.

She had fantasized about a luxurious wedding, yes. But this…

This was legendary.

"You’re… serious?" she whispered, barely able to contain the excitement in her voice.

Reginald smirked. "Of course. Only the best for my future wife."

Astrid’s family erupted into praise.

"Reginald, you’re truly incredible!" Vivian gushed.

"Not just anyone can secure that venue and you did it at such a short time" Sage said, his tone filled with admiration. "Man, my friends are going to lose their minds when they hear about this, they'll truly know I have a wealthy brother-in-law."

Astrid beamed, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for Reginald’s arm. She had always craved status, wealth, and admiration. And now? She would have it all.

But Reginald wasn’t done yet.

"And that’s not all," he continued, his smirk deepening. "The big shots in the villa area will send their blessings. Everyone who matters will be there."

Astrid’s excitement grew.

Then, Reginald delivered the final blow.

"Even the owner of the No. 1 mansion, Elara Vasquez will make an appearance."

Astrid’s jaw nearly dropped.

Vivian gasped.

Sage froze, his breath hitching.

The No. 1 mansion… the crown jewel of the villa district. Whoever lived there was beyond powerful. Someone above even Reginald.

And that someone was Elara Vasquez...the richest woman in the city. A force in the business world. Untouchable.

Astrid felt lightheaded, almost faint with excitement. If Elara Vasquez was attending her wedding, then her status would truly be solidified. This was more than she had ever imagined.

Her eyes burned with admiration as she turned to Reginald. Then, unable to hold back, she grabbed his face and kissed him hard, pouring all her love into that one kiss.

"You’re amazing, my love," she breathed against his lips. "I love you so much. I love you more than anything.”

Reginald chuckled, indulging in the attention.

But deep down, he sneered.

Let her bask in this moment. Let her believe she had won.

Soon enough, she would realize the truth.

The moment he secured his heir, she and her pathetic family would be tossed aside like garbage.