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.

wait to be dismissed but turned on his heel and strode out of the office, his shoulders heavy from his father's cold, piercing gaze and

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 the eldest. The thought of his father even considering such a change sent a chill down Jake's

wouldn't allow it. He

already taken too much from him, Jake wouldn't stand by

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

Jake's voice was low, a growl of barely restrained fury. His

casual. His expression was calm, even amused, as if he were enjoying the spectacle. He tilted his head slightly and met Jake's piercing

shot back, arrogance and pride dripping from every word that escaped his mouth Jake didn't hesitate. lle pounced, pushing Jaden against the wall

word hanging like a cold, mocking gust off his lips. "You've always looked down on

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Chapter 120 1871%

day one what you were up to. You're a snake, slithering your way through this family. And now you think you can take MY company away with your petty little

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

a game? You think I'll just stand by

fight me," Jaden 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