Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 119

Chapter 119

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He lifted little Emily out of the car into his arms, and she threw her tiny arms around his neck, giggling softly. It was one of those giggles that could lighten up even the gloomiest of days, and for one second or two, Brandon felt his heart lightened. Ethan who had been looking out of the window in the living room and let out a delighted squeak at the sight of Brandon. The little boy ran out of the house, arms wide open, a brilliant smile on his face.

"Uncle Brandon!" Ethan shouted in pure delight as he launched himself into Brandon's waiting arms.

Brandon hugged Ethan tightly, lifting him off the ground. "Wow you've grown so much since I last saw you!" he exclaimed, laughing as Ethan beamed.

The day had been long spent in the hospital with Emily, but now they were finally home, and finally back together. For Ethan, it was the countdown he'd been waiting for. More than being a family friend, Brandon was like a dad to the kids and always brought an aura of warmth and laughter whenever he came over.

Later that evening, under the bright dinner lamp, sat Brandon, Emma, Ethan, Emily, and Mrs. Walker, feasting. The children talked excitedly about their day as they burst into laughter as Brandon teased Ethan playfully about how he had come to love broccoli. Even amidst the smiles and laughter, Emma couldn't help but notice something off. Brandon's eyes, usually so bright and full of life, seemed clouded with a quiet sadness. He tried to put on a good face; he joked with the kids and told stories, but Emma could see through him. She knew him too well. Yet she said nothing.

Emma decided to hold her tongue until later. After all, Brandon had been a real rock for her and the kids, and she didn't want to push him now while the kids were still up.

The night wore on, and the children finally fell asleep; the house fell into a calm silence. Emma found Brandon sitting in the living room, staring out the window into the dark night. "What's bothering you?" she asked softly, taking a seat beside him.

Brandon shook his head, a nervous smile dancing on his lips. "Nothing's bothering me. I just. missed you and the kids," he said, trying to sound steady, though his eyes told another story.

Emma watched him closely, her heart aching at the vulnerability he was trying so hard to mask. "Brandon," she said softly. "you really don't have to pretend with me. If something's wrong. I'm here to listen."

For a moment, Brandon hesitated, as though weighing the decision to open up. But instead, he shook his head again. "Really, Emma. I'm fine," he insisted, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Emma dropped the matter, letting him be. They talked for some time about the old times, laughing softly, but the shadows in Brandon's eyes lingered.

Finally, he bade goodnight and went away,

AAAAA

Inside Alexander's mansion, Annie tossed and turned in her bed her mind far from sleep. The room was dark save for the dim light of her phone, which she checked every few minutes. Her heart was pounding in her chest, a cold anticipation and dread coiling inside her stomach like some venomous snake.

She was waiting for another email from her blackmailer.

Next to her, Alexander slept soundly, his breathing light and even. She looked at him, nibbling on her lip as anxiety clawed its way out. She hadn't yet determined how to approach him with the obscene amount of money she might need should this go south. Her reputation, her entire life, was on the line.

18:05 Tue, Dec 31

Chapter 119

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The clock ticked mercilessly, hours crawled toward midnight and her eyelids grew heavy. She had just started to doze off to sleep when her phone buzzed,

Her heart leaped as she grabbed it with trembling fingers; another email.

Clicking it open, her breath suddenly caught in her throat, another video.

Her blood ran cold as she watched the damning footage, this time, even more explicit than before. She was riding the young man's cock, with too much pleasure coming from her moan. Annie's hands shook as she paused the video, bile rising in her throat. How many videos? How much evidence had been recorded without her knowledge? The blackmailer's grip was hard around her neck, the noose getting tighter; she felt her breath being squeezed out of her.

Tears pricked at her eyes, but she swallowed them away. No, she wouldn't break. She couldn't. Annie had clawed her way to the top, sacrificing too much to let everything crumble now. She would fight this. She had to act quickly, before it was too late.

ΔΑΛΛΑ

Jake stepped out of the airport into the humid city air, his chest tight with the weight of urgency. He didn't bother to stop for a breath, his destination clear in his mind. The sleek black car waiting for him sped him toward the company headquarters, the hum of the engine doing little to calm the storm raging within him.

The ride was a blur; all he could think about was Jaden: his scheming, arrogant younger brother who somehow managed to wriggle his way into their father's favor. It was something that was infuriating and maddening, to see somebody so undeserving inch his way closer to taking what rightfully belonged to HIM. As the car came to a halt in front of the towering building, Jake stepped out, his resolve hard as steel.

Inside, he went straight to Jaden's office, his footsteps echoing with an air of power. He didn't bother to knock, he never did with Jaden. He merely pushed the door open, expecting to find his brother lounging in his chair like a king. The room was empty, though, the chair mockingly vacant.

His frustration simmered, threatening to boil over. He turned around and strode down the hall, his shoes sharply clicking against the polished floors as he took the elevator to their father's office.

He pushed the heavy doors open, the manner of his entrance commanding attention. What met his gaze froze him in his tracks.

There, his stoic and cold father was laughing.

Actually laughing.

The sound was foreign, almost jarring, because in all the years Jake had known him, laughter had never been part of his father's demeanor.

And there was Jaden, the source of that laughter, sitting comfortably in a chair opposite their father, his smile smug and triumphant.

F