CHAPTER 53: CHAPTER 53: JUST LET HIM HAVE HER!

Beatrix Steele moved through the crowd like a queen in her own right.

Every step was elegant, purposeful.

Her black gown flowed around her like liquid shadow, catching the light in ways that made it shimmer.

Conversations paused as she passed. Heads turned. Eyes followed.

She was magnetic.

And Jax was trapped in her orbit.

His body refused to obey his commands. His feet felt rooted to the marble floor. His mind screamed at him to move, to breathe, to do something, but all he could do was stare.

’Move, idiot. Move. You look like a creep just standing here frozen.’

But he couldn’t.

His urges were high. His resolve was nonexistent.

Paige and Kiera had been moving forward slowly through the crowd, greeting people, making small talk. But Jax had stopped completely, his eyes locked on the approaching goddess.

Kiera, not paying attention to what was in front of her, walked straight into his back.

Her breast collided with him—soft, firm, pressing against his shoulders.

The impact jolted him forward. He stumbled, arms flailing, trying to catch his balance. Four, five steps forward, his feet tangling beneath him.

And then his momentum carried him straight into the path where Kai and Beatrix were walking.

His head collided with something soft.

Cushioned.

Warm.

His face buried itself directly into Beatrix’s breasts.

Time stopped.

The scent of vanilla flooded his senses—sweet, intoxicating, overwhelming.

Her breasts pressed against his face, soft and yielding, cradling him like the most divine pillow ever created.

’Heaven,’ Jax thought distantly. ’This is heaven. This is what heaven feels like.’

He didn’t panic. He didn’t pull back immediately.

Why would he?

Everything had already gone wrong. Why not enjoy the moment?

He inhaled deeply, letting the vanilla scent fill his lungs. His hands hovered awkwardly at his sides, not daring to touch but not wanting to pull away either.

’If I’m going to die from embarrassment, at least let me die happy.’

A soft laugh broke through his haze.

Beatrix gently placed her hands on his shoulders and eased him back. Her face was warm, amused, with no trace of anger or discomfort.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice kind, motherly.

Jax blinked up at her, his face burning red. "I... uh... yeah. Would’ve been worse if you weren’t there. You saved me."

Her smile widened. "How sweet."

"Are you trying to charm my son, Beatrix?"

Paige’s voice cut through the moment like a blade.

Beatrix turned, her expression shifting into something playful. "Ah, Senior Paige! Long time no see." She tilted her head innocently. "And charm him? Me? You know I’d never marry someone whose mother bullied me throughout academy life. Besides, he’s the same age as my son."

Her tone was light, sarcastic, teasing.

Paige’s lips curved into a smirk. "Beatrix, you haven’t changed a bit. Always with the sharp, humorous replies. Always playing the victim."

"Playing?" Beatrix placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "Senior, you did bully me. Or have you conveniently forgotten?"

Paige raised an eyebrow. "Bully you? Weren’t you the one who helped me with those—"

Beatrix’s face shifted instantly—innocent, wide-eyed, like a puppy caught stealing food. "I have no idea what you’re talking about."

Paige sighed, shaking her head. "Unbelievable."

Kai stepped forward, grinning. "Mother, this is my best friend, Jax!"

Beatrix turned her attention fully to Jax, her smile warm and genuine. "Kai, you’ve made a really good friend here."

She glanced at Paige. "I’ve been so busy lately I couldn’t watch him earlier. But I’ve heard all the rumors. Not only is he a genius which is rare in boys but look how shy he is."

Her gaze softened as she looked at Jax, who was staring at the ground, face red, hands trembling slightly.

But inside, his thoughts were darker, desperate. ’God, just once. Let me have her. Just one night. Create an opening. I don’t want to force her. Please. Just once.’

He wasn’t hearing a word anyone was saying anymore.

Kiera’s voice cut through sharply. "Innocent and shy? My foot."

Paige shot her a glare. "Behave, Kiera."

Beatrix laughed lightly. "At least one of your children resembles you, Paige."

Before anyone could respond, another voice called out.

"Mother! Uncle Ben wants to see you."

Thalia appeared beside Beatrix, her presence commanding immediate attention.

She was stunning.

Her hair was a bright, golden yellow, styled in loose waves that cascaded over one shoulder. Her eyes were a striking blue, sharp and intelligent. Her body was slim but curvaceous, her dress—a fitted emerald green gown—emphasizing her figure perfectly. Her chest was full, the neckline cut just low enough to draw the eye.

She smiled politely, her expression warm but distant.

Beatrix sighed. "Looks like I won’t get to have fun or reunion time even at a party." She looked at Paige. "Senior, I need to go."

She reached out and patted Jax’s hair gently. "I hope you take care of my child for me."

’I can take care of you too,’ Jax thought desperately. ’Just once. Please.’

But he said nothing. He just looked up at her, his face sad, like a child watching his favorite toy being taken away.

He glanced at Kai, his eyes practically begging. ’Make her stay. Just a little longer.’

Then he looked at Thalia for the first time he really looked at her. She was smiling faintly, her expression a silent farewell.

And then they left.

Jax stood there, frozen, watching them disappear into the crowd.

His mind replayed Beatrix’s words. "I won’t have fun or reunion time even at a party."

’Come back,’ he thought desperately. ’I can give you fun. All the fun you want.’

The rest of the evening blurred.

Paige and Kiera dragged him around, introducing him to nobles, politicians, business partners. Jax smiled. Greeted people. Shook hands.

But inside, he was lifeless. Bored. Empty.

At one point, they passed Jennifer and Zinnia standing near a refreshment table.

Paige’s voice was cold. "Look at those two. Still have the courage to show their faces after being humiliated days ago."

Kiera frowned. "Why wouldn’t they, Mother? You gave them back everything they lost. I still don’t understand why you did it."

Paige’s jaw tightened. "Didn’t I tell you not to bring that up again?"

She glanced at Jax. "It was my choice."

Kiera fell silent.

Later, Jax spotted Morgana across the hall. She stood beside an older woman—Lyra, the grandmother he’d met before.

Paige led their family over to greet them.

Lyra’s face lit up when she saw Jax. She patted his hair affectionately. "You really do have a sweet boy, Paige."

Kiera muttered under her breath. "He’s deceived us twice already."

Paige shot her a glare. Kiera sighed. "Fine."

Lyra’s smile didn’t waver. She adjusted her grip on her cane, bringing it lower casually.

And then, with a practiced motion hidden from everyone else, she rested the tip of the cane directly against Jax’s shaft.

His breath hitched.

Her hand shifted, fingers wrapping around the cane in a way that let her grip his balls through the fabric.

To everyone else, it looked like she was simply holding her cane.

Lyra leaned in close, her voice a whisper in his ear. "I can feel this thing. It’s grown quite nicely."

Jax’s eyes widened. He looked at Paige desperately, trying to silently communicate that he was being assaulted.

Lyra squeezed lightly, then released.

She straightened, smiling sweetly. "Such a good boy."

Jax swallowed hard, his legs trembling.

The evening continued.

Music played. People danced. Laughter filled the hall.

And then the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived.

The lights dimmed. A spotlight focused on the grand staircase.

Queen Calista stood at the top, Celestia beside her. A massive cake was wheeled out—three tiers, decorated with intricate icing designs, candles glowing softly.

The crowd gathered, clapping politely.

Calista smiled, raising a hand. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us tonight."

She began to speak, her voice warm and gracious.

And then—

BANG.

The doors to the hall burst open.

The sound echoed through the space, silencing the music instantly. Every head turned.

A figure stood in the doorway, backlit by the light from the corridor.

The crowd murmured, confused.

Who would interrupt the queen’s speech?

Who would dare?

Jax’s eyes narrowed, staring at the silhouette.

And the figure stepped forward into the light.