Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 120 Jakes 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 fathers 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 fathers 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 Jadens 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 fathers 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 .

Jakes teeth clenched , but he didnt argue .

He knew better than to challenge his father directly , especially not in Jadens presence .

Instead , he dipped his head again , a tight lipped smile barely hiding his frustration .

Ill ensure everything runs smoothly sir .

Jake said , his tone curt .

He didnt wait to be dismissed but turned on his heel and strode out of the office , his shoulders heavy from his fathers cold , piercing gaze and Jadens 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 couldnt afford to let things slide , any more .

The family business had always followed the tradition of primogeniture , but he wasnt 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 Jakes spine .

He wouldnt allow it .

He couldnt .

Jaden had already taken too much from him , Jake wouldnt stand by and let him take HIS right too .

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

What do you think youre doing , Jaden ? Jakes 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 Jakes piercing gaze with a smirk What does it look like Im doing ? Jaden shot back , arrogance and pride dripping from every word that escaped his mouth Jake didnt hesitate .

Ile pounced , pushing Jaden against the wall with much force .

His hand next Jadens 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 .

Youve always looked down on me , havent you Jake Just because you were horn first .

1/2 18:05 Tue , Dec 31 GT Chapter 120 1871 % Jakes eyes narrowed , and his hand firmed on the wall .

I was born first for a reason .

Quit playing the victim .

Ive known from day one what you were up to .

Youre 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 Jakes towering rage .

Youre scared , arent you ? he asked , his tone cocky .

Thats what this is about .

Youre terrified .

Because deep down , you know I can take it .

I will take it if you push me too far , brother .

And you wont 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 Ill just stand by while you destroy everything Ive worked for ? You think I wont 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 Jakes aggression was nothing more than an inconvenience .

Do your worst , BIG brother .

Im not running nymore .

Jaden began walking away .

Jakes hand shot out , catching Jadens wrist and yanking him back before he could take one further step .

Dont 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 ? Jadens smirk faltered for a second before he masked it with indifference .

Thats ancient history , Jake .

Let it go .

Let it go ? Jakes voice rose , his grip tightening until Jaden winced .

You think Ive spent the last five years just forgetting the betrayal and the damage you caused ? You think Ill just stand here and let you take whats mine AGAIN without a fight ? Go on , Jaden sneered , the cockiness rising in him once again .

Fight all you want .

But it wont 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 shes going to protect you forever ? And what happens when she finds out who you really are ? When she learns what you did ? You think shes going to want you near herself and her children ? It wasnt until then that Jadens confidence faltered , a flicker of unease crossing his face before going cold .

You wouldnt dare Jake ? Then dont push me brother .

Jake replied .

Jaden walked away , anger inside him .

Jake had crossed that one line he shouldnt have crossed .

18:05 Tue , Dec 31 G