Chapter Six: From Shame to Strength
"Yes, I think so too. Where could someone like him get clothes like that?" Margaret scoffed, folding her arms. "He was fired yesterday as a cleaner, and now he shows up in expensive clothes? Where did he get the money?"
Jaden opened his mouth to respond, but Isabelle cut him off sharply. "Mum, I think we should throw him out before he fills this house with things that don't belong to him."
"Please, give me a chance to explain myself," Jaden said calmly, trying to stay composed.
"Explain what, exactly?" Isabelle snapped, but Vanessa interrupted her firmly.
"Isabelle, let him talk. You're just assuming the worst. Someone might have given him the money to buy the clothes," she said, her voice rising in frustration.
"Yes, let's hear him out," Margaret added, softening slightly and nodding in agreement with Vanessa.
Jaden took a breath and explained how his former boss had given him the money after his dismissal—an act of kindness in recognition of his years of service.
"You see?" Vanessa said, glaring at the others. "You were already judging him without giving him a chance to speak. Jaden, I'm sorry for the harsh words you heard. It wasn't fair."
She exhaled and offered a faint smile. "We're going to a party tomorrow. One of my friends just got promoted, and she's celebrating at Diamond Hall."
"That's great," Jaden replied, visibly relieved. "Good thing I bought something I can wear to the party." He picked up his bag and quietly made his way to the unoccupied room prepared for him.
****
Jaden woke up early and completed his morning responsibilities as usual. Afterward, he took a bath, ate breakfast, and got ready for work.
He put on one of the expensive outfits he had recently purchased, adjusted the collar with confidence, and stepped outside to catch a cab.
By that time, Vanessa had already left for her office. She usually arrived by 7:00 a.m.—the same time Jaden used to start work before his recent schedule change.
The cab pulled up in front of T & K Company. Jaden stepped out, standing tall as he surveyed the building. With steady strides, he headed straight to Vanessa's office.
She greeted him briefly and informed him that he would begin his job immediately. A staff member handed him a copy of the company's rules and regulations. Vanessa then assigned someone to explain the details of his new role as security supervisor.
It took some time for Jaden to fully understand the scope of his responsibilities. The role was demanding, but he listened attentively and asked questions when necessary. Once the orientation ended, he began his duties with enthusiasm. There was pride in the way he moved—he felt useful and respected.
By 4:00 p.m., Vanessa paused her work and stepped out of her office. She called Jaden over and motioned for him to follow. Together, they got into her car, and she drove them to the party venue.
The drive took just fifteen minutes—long enough for a soft breeze to drift through the open window. The venue was nearby, and traffic was light.
They arrived at Diamond Hall, one of the most prestigious event centers in the city. Known for its elegance and grandeur, it was a favorite spot for the wealthy and influential to celebrate their milestones.
Jaden and Vanessa stepped out of the car and walked confidently toward the entrance. As they entered, they were greeted by a wave of laughter, flashing lights, and pulsing music. The hall buzzed with life. Every guest seemed captivated by the energy on stage, where the celebrant danced beneath a golden spotlight.
As Jaden scanned the room, his eyes locked on Marcus and Sienna. A bitter memory surfaced—Sienna's party, the betrayal, the humiliation. He clenched his jaw and forced the thought aside.
Marcus and Sienna sat near the front, watching the performance. When Sienna glanced toward the entrance and spotted Jaden, her expression shifted. She nudged Marcus and gestured in his direction.
Marcus turned. His face tightened the moment he saw Jaden. He hadn't forgotten the day Jaden disciplined his guards.
Jaden and Vanessa walked toward them. Marcus's jaw tensed.
What the hell is he doing here? Marcus thought. Did he come to beg? That outfit must be stolen—or maybe someone pitied him. There's no way he bought it himself.
To Marcus, Jaden didn't belong here. The celebrant was his best friend. Surely, he wouldn't have invited someone like Jaden.
He stood abruptly, his voice sharp. "What the hell are you doing here?"
Vanessa stepped forward, calm and composed. "He's my husband. And yes—he was invited."
Marcus let out a harsh laugh. "Husband? You? A rich woman like you married this nobody? He'll rob you and disappear if you're not careful."
Jaden glanced down at himself, then back at Marcus. "Who told you I'm a nobody? Are you blind, deaf, or both? Can't you see I'm not poor anymore? I bought this outfit myself—and it's expensive."
Marcus scoffed but said nothing.
Jaden stepped closer. "By the way, where's the $1,000 you owe me?"
Marcus blinked. "What money?"
"You know exactly what money I'm talking about. Don't pretend."
Sienna tried to step in. "He was just joking when he promised—"
"Shut up," Jaden snapped. "What kind of joke is that? You embarrassed me in public and now you're calling it a joke? If you don't pay me, I swear you'll regret it."
Marcus hesitated, then waved dismissively. "Alright, fine. Let me get it. The check's in my car. Come with me."
He leaned toward one of his guards and whispered in his ear. The guard nodded and walked off to alert the others.
"Let's go," Marcus said, gesturing toward the exit.
Jaden followed, unaware of the setup.
Outside, as Marcus led the way to his car, two guards crept up behind Jaden. But Jaden's senses were sharp—he heard them just in time. He spun around, dodging the strike.
The blow landed squarely on Marcus. He staggered back in pain.
"Sir—we're sorry! He dodged it!" the guards stammered, panicking.
Marcus winced, already regretting the plan.
Before anyone could react, two more guards rushed forward. Jaden moved like lightning—dodging again, then driving his fists into their stomachs. They collapsed, blood dripping from their mouths.
Jaden turned to Marcus. "Now it's your turn."
He threw two powerful punches. Marcus dodged the first, but the second landed squarely on his mouth. A tooth flew out and hit the ground.
Seeing Marcus stagger, Jaden rushed him with a flurry of blows. "You lied to me twice! First, you humiliated me in public and promised money you never meant to pay. And now, you tried to trap me again. You'll regret this!"
Before he could land another punch, the remaining four guards attacked. One grabbed Jaden from behind, locking his arms.
Jaden gritted his teeth, twisted his body, and stomped the guard's foot hard with his new shoe. The grip loosened.
The other three swung at him—but Jaden ducked, and their blows landed on the man who'd been holding him. He collapsed with a groan.
Jaden spun, launching a flying kick that sent one of the attackers crashing to the ground. He turned to the last two. When they saw the fury in his eyes, they froze—then turned and ran.
Breathing hard, Jaden walked over to Marcus, who was still on the ground.
"Give me my money—or I swear I'll end you," Jaden growled. He didn't mean it literally, but the threat hung in the air.
Trembling, Marcus reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash—$1,000. He handed it over.
"So you had the money all along," Jaden said coldly. "Lying about writing a check... Maybe now you've learned not to mess with me."
Without another word, he turned and walked back into the hall.
The party went on for another three hours. Jaden drank, laughed, and finally allowed himself to enjoy the night.
Jaden continued working as a security supervisor at T&K Company. At the end of the month, after receiving his salary, he decided to treat himself to a good drink at a nice restaurant.
As he stepped inside, the first person he saw was Ruth Wallace—an old college classmate and former girlfriend. It had been over ten years since they'd last seen each other.
Jaden walked straight to her table. Ruth looked up and smiled. "Hey! It's been so long!"
"Yes," Jaden said warmly. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," she replied, shaking his hand. Her touch was gentle, her voice calm.
Jaden smiled and sat beside her. "I'm good. How's your family?"
"They're doing well."
"So, what are you up to now? Still in school?"
"No, I've graduated. I'm practicing law now. What about you?"
"I'm a supervisor," Jaden said proudly.
"That's great," Ruth said with a smile.
As they chatted, a man across the room noticed Ruth. He was a billionaire—proud and arrogant. He recognized Jaden as the man who once worked as a cleaner. In his eyes, Jaden didn't belong in a place like this.
The man strutted over, ignoring Jaden entirely. "Hey, beautiful. Why don't you come with me? I'll give you whatever you want."
Jaden's face hardened. "Are you blind? Don't you see we're having a conversation? Who told you it was okay to interrupt?"