Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 118 What a sneaky bastard , Jake said under his breath , in a low , bitter voice .

More than a decade separated them , an age gap that should have placed Jake in a position of unquestioned authority and respect .

His other three brothers show fear and respect toward in .

Even Jakes immediate younger brother had never tried to look him straight in the eyes , but Jaden had always been one to push boundaries , overstep , reach for what wasnt his .

Jake slammed the remote onto the glass coffee table , the loud clatter breaking the silence of the room .

He felt the walls closing in around him , suffocating him with the knowledge that Jaden was out there , basking in the spotlight , reaping the rewards of HIS future empire .

And the worst part ? Jake wasnt even in the country .

He was several thousand miles away , helplessly watching as Jaden played his games , manipulating the world while Jake was stuck on the sidelines .

He had trusted in his team to handle things in his absence , to maintain order , but clearly he had underestimated the audacity of Jaden .

Memories of the past betrayal resurfaced .

Years ago , Jaden had taken something precious from him , something that had left a scar Jake could never erase .

And now he was coming for the last thing Jake had poured his blood , sweat , and tears into : Fernando Corp.

No , Jake said aloud , his voice firm , his fists clenching tightly .

Not again .

Never again .

He refused to let Jaden win .

He would not .

This wasnt just about the company anymore , this was personal .

If he allowed Jaden to continue unchecked , there would be nothing left for him to return to .

Jake reached for his phone , his fingers flying across the keyboard as he booked the first flight back home .

There was no time to waste .

Every second he stayed away was another second Jaden gained ground , another second the damage deepened .

Enjoy the spotlight while it lasts , Jaden , he whispered coldly , weight of his determination lacing through his voice .

Because when I get back , its game over .

ΔΑΛΛΑ In the deepest , darkest corner of a trashy , dimly lit bar reeking of stale beer and poverty , Derek nursed a drink that had long gone flat .

The old TV above the bar flickered , casting uneven shadows across his worn face .

Emmas radiant image dominated the screen yet again .

Her name was everywhere , Emma this , Emma that .

She was now an unstoppable force , and the whole world seemed at her neck and call .

Even though she had clawed her way to the top , she was now more powerful now than ever before .

The reporters were breathless with admiration , recounting her recent successes and speculating about her whirlwind love life .

Dereks blood boiled at every word .

He had been obsessed with her for four years , but not in the way a lover might pine for their beloved .

No ! Hell no ! Dereks obsession was born of hatred , a deep consuming fury that ate at his soul every single waking moment .

Emma was his nemesis , the architect of his downfall .

He bit his bottom lip in frustration .

He hated everything about her .

She was the reason he was here , drowning in the filth of this trashy bar , hiding like a rat in the shadows .

She was the reason his once decent life had reduced into cold ashes .

He was supposed to be the CEO of the W2 HOLDINGS now , but Emma had taken it all .

He clenched his fist , the knuckles whitening as memories replayed within his mind : how he had been so close , so very close 1/2 < 11:34 Fri , Dec 27 G.

Chapter 118 182 % to elevate his family name out of poverty and restore their long lost power .

Yet Emma stepped in at the last moment to rip it all away as if it were nothing .

He had now become a wanted man ; his face had hit the city , and his name was a whispered contempt .

Derek couldnt step outside during the day for fear of recognition or being captured on a camera .

The once proud man moved only in shadows through the night , shying away from eye contact , shying away from life itself .

His existence was a mockery of the word life .

He had fallen not just from grace but into the deepest trench of despair .

Being called nothing would be out of generosity because his current state was far worse .

His family has all turn their backs on him .

And his future was all gone now .

All because of Emma .

If he hadnt escaped when he did .

A cold shiver ran down his spine as the memory of that narrow escape rushed through his brain .

It was a matter of minutes , maybe seconds .

He had run like a coward , leaving everything behind that he had ever known .

Had he stayed , he would have received a life sentence , as Marina did .

Dereks chest constricted with her thought , but it wasnt a good feeling at all ; because Marina had started the fire , and blew his future into a billion pieces .

Marina should be grateful she was now locked away because if she hadnt been , she would have met her end at his hands .

He glared down into his drink .

The liquid reflecting his hollowed and sunken eyes .

What freedom was this ? he thought , his heart wrenching in pain .

To live in the shadows , hunted , hated , forgotten .

He was tired : tired of running , tired of hiding , tired of existing in this crazy world .

A dark thought crept into his mind , one that had been lingering at the edges of his consciousness for years .

If this was how his story was going to end , maybe he could write the final chapter himself .

Maybe he could do one last thing for himself , before he said goodbye to this world for good .

A bitter smile twisted his lips as the plan began to form in his mind .

Since he was going down , he wasnt going to go down alone , he would make sure Emma paid the price , he would leave her with scars ; deep , unforgettable ones to haunt her for the rest of her life .