Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 120

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.

He 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, piercing gaze and Jaden's triumphant smirk.

As he disappeared from view, Jake blew out a heavy breath and let his shoulders slump 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 the eldest. The thought of his father even considering such a change sent a chill down Jake's spine.

He wouldn't allow it. He couldn't.

Jaden had already taken too much from him, Jake wouldn't stand by and let him take HIS right too.

He waited by and counted the second until Jaden eventually stepped out of their father's office, HIS future office and he attacked Jaden the second he got the chance.

"What do you think you're doing, Jaden?" Jake's voice was low, a growl of barely restrained fury. His eyes blazed with daggers. his whole frame taut with barely controlled rage.

But Jaden, far from being intimidated, stood casual. His expression was calm, even amused, as if he were enjoying the spectacle. He tilted his head slightly and met Jake's piercing gaze with a smirk

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Jaden shot back, arrogance and pride 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 playing with you, boy?"

Jaden scoffed, his 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 were horn first".

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18:05 Tue, Dec 31 GT

Chapter 120 1871%

Jake's eyes narrowed, and his hand firmed on the wall. "I was born first for a reason. Quit playing the victim. I've known from 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 schemes?

Jaden smirked, confident, unshaken by 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. I will take it if you push me too far, brother. And you won't be able to do anything about it, brother."

Jake 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 for? You think I won't fight you with everything I have?"

"Then 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 brother. I'm not running nymore." Jaden began walking away.

Jake's hand shot out, catching Jaden's wrist and yanking him back before he could take one further step. "Don't you dare walk away from me, Jaden," Jake hissed through gritted teeth. His eyes burn with a memory; it was as painful as it had been then. "Do you think I have forgotten what you did five years ago? Do you think I will ever forgive you for that?

Jaden's smirk faltered for a second before he masked it with indifference. "That's ancient history, Jake. Let it go."

"Let it go?" Jake's voice rose, his grip tightening until Jaden winced. "You think I've spent the last five years just forgetting the betrayal and the damage you caused? You think I'll just stand here and let you take what's mine AGAIN without a fight?"

"Go on," Jaden sneered, the cockiness rising in him once again. "Fight all you want. But it won't change the fact that I am smarter than you, more determined than you, and-"

"And backed by Emma," Jake cut in, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "The richest woman in the world. Your shield. You really think she's going to protect you forever? And what happens when she finds out who you really are? When she learns what you did? You think she's going to want you near herself and her children?

It wasn't until then that Jaden's confidence faltered, a flicker of unease crossing his face before going cold. "You wouldn't dare Jake?"

"Then don't push me brother." Jake replied.

Jaden walked away, anger inside him. Jake had crossed that one line he shouldn't have crossed.

18:05 Tue, Dec 31 G