Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter

120

Jake's blood boiled, his fists clenched tightly at his sides, his knuckles going white. The sight was a dagger to his pride. His father had never once laughed with him, never shared even a moment of levity in all their years of working together. Yet here was Jaden, sitting like

he owned the room, basking in the warmth of their father's rare approval.

Jake took a deep breath, willing himself not to lose his cool. He clamped down on his jaw and walked deeper into the room with measured, calculated steps.

"Jake," his father's voice cut through the seething silence, the laughter disappearing the moment his gaze fell on his eldest son; the tone instantly cold, almost indolently demanding. "Why are you back so early? You were supposed to be overseas for another two weeks Jake inclined his head in a respectful bow, even as his insides churned. He stepped to Jaden's side, towering over him. "I came back to attend to an emergency," he replied, his voice steady despite the fire burning in his chest.

His father's eyes narrowed. "Emergency? What emergency could possibly justify abandoning your post early?

"I can handle this, sir," Jake, said, his voice controlled and exact in tone, but with the rough scratching sensation in each syllable. His father showed no expression on his face, but his eyes had a sharp tang of disapproval. "Leaving your responsibilities without permission is unacceptable, Jake. I expect better."

Jake's teeth clenched, but he didn't argue. He knew better than to challenge his father directly, especially not in Jaden's presence. Instead, he dipped his head again, a tight-lipped smile barely hiding his frustration.

"I'll ensure everything runs smoothly sir." Jake said, his tone curt.

didn't wait to be dismissed but turned on his heel and strode out of the office, his shoulders heavy from his father's cold,

ever so slightly. Outside, the air felt colder, heavier, than it had in the office. Jaden had stepped over the line, and Jake knew he couldn't afford to let things slide, any more. The family business had always followed the tradition of primogeniture, but he wasn't blind to the shifting tides. Other families were starting to break that rule, evaluating all their children for leadership instead of defaulting to

wouldn't allow it.

from him, Jake wouldn't stand by and let him take HIS

of their father's office, HIS future office and he attacked

Jaden?" Jake's voice was low, a growl of barely restrained fury. His eyes blazed with daggers. his

Jaden, far from being intimidated, stood casual. His expression was calm, even amused, as if he were enjoying the spectacle. He tilted

dripping from every word that escaped his mouth Jake didn't hesitate. lle pounced, pushing Jaden against the wall with much force. His hand next Jaden's heat tits face merely a few inches away from his, teeth clenched growling. Dot look like Em

giving way to disdain. Boy he repeated, the word hanging like a cold, mocking gust off his lips. "You've always looked down on me, haven't you Jake Just because you were horn

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reason. Quit playing the victim. I've known from day one what you

deep down, you know I can take it. I will take it if you push me too far, brother. And you won't be able

glared at him, his breath coming in sharp, angry bursts. "You think this is a game? You think I'll just stand by while you destroy everything I've worked

replied, his voice calm but laced with challenge. He pushed away from the wall, brushing himself off as though Jake's aggression was nothing more than an inconvenience. "Do your worst, BIG brother. I'm not running nymore."