Chapter 4 Arrival Of The Military Commissioner

"Ha, Kaelyn's not even divorced yet and already out here flaunting herself. Look at her, prancing around like a cheap dancer. What an embarrassment to the Barnett family!" Verena spat angrily, stepping forward with determination. "I'm going to teach her a lesson right now!"

"Enough!" Landen's voice was sharp as he grabbed Verena's arm, stopping her in her tracks. "Do you want everyone here to know the Barnett family's private affairs? Look at yourself - you're behaving no better than a common thug. Where's your dignity as a Barnett?"

Verena froze, her cheeks flushing with humiliation.

Being chastised by her younger brother in public stung deeply, and she opened her mouth to retort.

Before she could escalate things, Claire stepped in smoothly, her voice soft and soothing. "Please, don't quarrel. We're here to have fun, not to create a scene. Let's not let something so trivial ruin the night."

Then she sighed, tilting her head slightly as if in thought. "Kaelyn might just be upset with Landen after last night. Why don't we apologize and see if she'll forgive us?"

At this suggestion, Landen's expression darkened, his jaw tightening in annoyance.

Catching his reaction, Claire lowered her gaze demurely, though a fleeting spark of satisfaction danced in her eyes.

Unaware of the drama unfolding near the entrance, Kaelyn stepped off the dance floor, her energy waning after several songs. Tugging Sebastian along, she began making her way back to their table.

Before they could sit down, a short, stout man with a greasy appearance and a noticeable receding hairline staggered toward her, his breath thick with alcohol. "Miss, why not join us for a drink?" he slurred, his beady eyes roaming over her shamelessly.

Kaelyn's face hardened with cold disdain. Without a word, she brushed past him, her head held high, refusing to even acknowledge his presence.

The man, undeterred and emboldened by liquid courage, trailed after her, his voice growing louder and more obnoxious. Reaching out, he tried to grab her waist.

"What are you pretending for? A woman like you coming to a bar is only here to seduce men! You should be grateful someone like me even noticed you!"

Kaelyn sidestepped his outstretched hand effortlessly, a sharp, mocking smile curving her lips. "Here's a hint - keep behaving like this, and you might lose more than just your hair."

"You..." The man's face turned a deep crimson as he jabbed a finger at her, trembling with rage. "Do you even know who you're messing with? I'm Kolton Dawson! My family owns this bar. You better come over and behave, or I'll make sure you leave here on a stretcher!"

From nearby, Landen, who had just arrived with Verena and Claire, caught the confrontation. His expression darkened instantly.

No matter what, Kaelyn was still legally his wife, and seeing her harassed by some lowlife in public was a direct slap to his face.

Landen started to step forward, his jaw tightening, but Claire's soft voice stopped him mid-step. She leaned close, her tone dripping with concern. "Landen, there are too many people here. If this turns into a scene, the repercussions will be messy. And don't forget Kaelyn is still upset with you. Even if you step in, she might not acknowledge it. It could backfire."

Landen hesitated, her reasoning cutting through his impulsive anger.

He realized that Claire was right. He rarely brought Kaelyn out, and people here might not recognize her. If he acted rashly, it could drag the Barnett family into a scandal. He had almost lost his head!

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to remain still, though his gaze remained locked on Kaelyn, unable to look away.

He saw that a tall, imposing man stepped forward, placing himself protectively between Kaelyn and Kolton.

Sebastian's commanding presence silenced the nearby murmurs, and with practiced ease, he flicked a business card onto Kolton's chest. "Before you throw threats around, think about whether you're qualified. Not everyone here is someone you can afford to offend, especially those from Starbright Group. I suggest you check yourself."

Kolton caught the card, his hands trembling as he glanced at the sleek, embossed lettering. His face went ashen as realization struck him.

"You... You're the vice president of Starbright Group?"

What?

At Kolton's trembling words, a ripple of disbelief spread through the onlookers, including Landen and his companions. They exchanged stunned glances, their shock evident.

Starbright Group wasn't just powerful - it was one of the most influential corporations globally, dwarfing even the Barnett Group in reach and authority.

Landen's chest tightened with a sharp pang of anger and jealousy. How did Kaelyn know someone of such high status? And why hadn't he known about it before?

An ugly thought clawed its way to the surface - was this why she readily agreed to divorce? Had she already found someone better?

Observing Landen's brooding expression, Claire understood what he was thinking. Her lips were curved ever so slightly into a satisfied smile. With a deliberately casual tone, she murmured, "Kaelyn seems to share a close bond with the vice president of Starbright Group. This could be a real opportunity. Maybe she could help the Barnett Group secure a collaboration with them."

"Humph, that shameless woman probably forgot about the Barnett family long ago!" Landen clenched his fists, his teeth grinding together as a surge of jealousy and frustration unwittingly twisted his insides.

Meanwhile, a crowd had begun to gather, murmurs rippling as more people turned their attention to the heated scene.

Kolton, flustered by the growing attention, raised his voice in defiance. "The executives of Starbright Group are notoriously secretive. Just because you claim to be one doesn't make it true. You could be a fraud!"

Despite his unease, he refused to back down - this was his turf. Even if the man was genuine, Kolton couldn't afford to lose face.

"I'm telling you, girl, I don't care who stands in my way. I'll have you tonight," Kolton spat venomously, his words dripping with vulgarity. "You'll be begging in bed by the time I'm done-"

Smack!

Kolton's words were abruptly cut off as Kaelyn's hand struck his face with a sharp, resounding slap.

The bar fell into stunned silence, all eyes shifting to Kolton's face, now red with the imprint of her palm. He turned to glare at her, his expression twisted in fury. "You dare hit me?" he snarled, his voice laced with venom. "Seize her!"

The order was like a trigger. Security guards stationed nearby sprang into action, encircling Kaelyn and Sebastian with intimidating glares.

"Kaelyn, should we fight?" Sebastian whispered, his fists already clenched.

Kaelyn's lips pressed into a thin line, her mind racing. Her men were here, too, and if they really fought, it was hard to say which side would win.

Before she could decide, a deafening bang erupted near the bar's entrance.

Chaos broke loose as patrons scattered in panic.

"It's a gun!" someone screamed.

"Run! Someone's shooting!"

The frenzied crowd surged toward the exits, but a voice boomed above the commotion, commanding and unmistakably authoritative. "The Military Commissioner is present! Cease your disorder immediately and be quiet!"