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.

of the office, his shoulders heavy from his father's cold, piercing gaze

any more. The family business had always followed the tradition of primogeniture, but he wasn't blind to the shifting tides. Other families

wouldn't allow it. He

too much from him, Jake wouldn't stand by

eventually stepped out of their father's office,

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

calm, even amused, as if he were enjoying the spectacle. He tilted his head slightly and met Jake's piercing gaze with a

lle pounced, pushing Jaden against the wall with much force. His hand next Jaden's heat tits face merely a

incredulity quickly 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

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you were up to.

Jake's towering rage. "You're scared, aren't you?" he asked, his tone cocky. "That's what this is about. You're terrified. Because deep down, you know I can take it.

think this is a game? You think I'll just stand

fight me," Jaden replied, his voice calm but laced with challenge. He pushed away from the wall, brushing himself off as though Jake's