In the cemetery, Jaden and Xena walked toward a distant figure. An elderly man stood alone before a gravestone, his silhouette a picture of loneliness.


    "Isn''t this too sudden? Mr. Summers Senior doesn''t even know I''m the one who saved his life," Jaden whispered.


    His confidence was shaken after learning about Felix and Xena''s engagement. After all, the greatest favor had not been reveal yet.


    Xena reassured him, "It''s fine. I''ll exin everything. Grandpa knew about his condition before he fell into aa."


    Relieved, Jaden teased, "So, does this mean you''re ready to date me?"


    "I promised I''d give us a chance if you saved Grandpa," Xena replied. "I''ll keep my word, but we''ll need time to be an official couple."


    Jaden nodded, "I understand. Once we fall for each other, it''s a lifelongmitment. I''m not in a rush."


    To him, the wait was nothing. His mentor had already pointed out the benefits of having Xena in his life for his martial arts training. If he had been patient for eight years, a little more time would not have mattered. Besides, he was confident in his charm and the debt of gratitude the Summers family now owed him; everything would fall into ce soon enough.


    As they approached, Xena signaled for silence. After about 15 minutes, Curtis turned around. He was not surprised to see Xena and opened his arms, smiling warmly.


    "Xena, thank you. It must''ve been tough," he said softly.


    Xena''s eyes welled up as she embraced Curtis. Since her parents'' disappearance, they had only each other and a bond beyond words.


    "It was all worth it to see you awake, Grandpa," Xena murmured.


    Curtis patted her head affectionately, then looked at Jaden. "And who might this be?"


    Xena seized the moment. "Grandpa, this is Jaden Hault, a friend of mine. He''s the one who brought in Dr. Brandon Quinn, Dragonia''s third-ranked master healer, to cure you." Curtis raised an eyebrow, impressed that such a young man had such connections. "Is that so? Jaden, I owe you my life. Thank you."


    Eager to make a good impression, Jaden replied humbly, "It''s nothing, Mr. Summers Senior. I''d do anything for Xena."


    Xena noticed Curtis'' smile faded slightly at these words and began, "Grandpa, Jaden..."


    However, Curtis cut her off. "Jaden, I''ve just woken up, and my mind is a bit foggy. How about this? In three days, I''ll host a feast at home to properly thank you for saving my life."


    Curtis'' stubbornness took Xena and Jaden aback. Even so, Jaden still politely replied, "Of course, Mr. Summers Senior. I''ll take my leave now."


    It did not take a genius to see that Curtis had already caught on. Even with the life-saving favor in his corner, Jaden was politely shown the door.


    Yet, Jaden did not let it discourage him and remained optimistic. After all, a nobody like Felix could notpete with him for Xena. Besides, Jaxon''s n would soon be in motion, eliminating Felix without arousing Xena''s suspicions. Xena protested, "Grandpa, how could you do that? Jaden went to great lengths to save you! Even I couldn''t have managed to get Dr. Quinn!"