Bloodline [Chapter 7]

The faint click of the door handle broke the silence. Glen stepped inside, sharp eyes landing on her. In his hand - a sleek, luxurious black dress.

"Wear this," he ordered coolly, holding it out to her. "We're going somewhere. Make sure you look good."

Akiko didn't move. She hadn't expected him to barge in.

"Can't you knock first?" Akiko snapped, irritated by his intrusion. Yes, the apartment was his, but she was still a woman-she deserved privacy.

"I do what I want," Glen shrugged, unfazed. Reluctantly, she took it. The silk was smooth beneath her fingers-elegant, but revealing.

"Is there nothing else?" she asked, inspecting the outfit with mild distaste.

"What's wrong with it?" Glen's brow lifted, head tilting as he raked his gaze down her. "You'd look perfect in that... exactly how I want."

"I don't like short dresses."

Without waiting for permission, she reached for a longer gray dress instead. Modest. Safe.

"Leave," she asked quietly. "Please."

"Just change. I'm not interested in pretending." Glen leaned lazily against the doorframe, eyes trailing over her with practiced arrogance.

Akiko remained silent. She looked at him, like she was dismissing a presence she didn't need to explain herself to.

With a low sigh, Glen pushed off the doorframe and turned away. "Fine, I'm leaving."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Akiko alone once again. They weren't going to the office today - for once, no endless hours trapped behind that glass fortress. But tonight... they still had to play their part in Glen's world.

When Akiko stepped out in the gray gown, Glen's gaze flicked over her. Not displeased. Just... satisfied.

"Let's go." Before she could react, his lips brushed against hers-a brief, possessive kiss. A habit. A claim.

"At the party," he said quietly, "stay with me. Keep quiet. Touch nothing unless I say so."

Akiko nodded.

Luxury cars lined the driveway. Inside, crystal lights bled gold over marble floors, laughter echoing through the vast hall. They had barely taken three steps inside when a familiar voice greeted them.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up."

Glen's jaw tightened. His hand found Akiko's wrist-not protective. Bracing.

"Still talking like a brat, I see," Glen replied coldly.

Marlen Xander. His older brother by five years. The one who used to be his best friend. His shadow, his protector - until their family shattered like glass. Glen chose their father. Marlen stayed with their mother.

The rift had only grown since then, twisted by betrayal, resentment, and silence. Now, they stood on opposite sides of everything - business, loyalty... blood.

"And who's this?" Marlen asked, eyes sliding to Akiko with open curiosity. "Didn't know you kept company now."

Glen said nothing. His arm wrapped around Akiko's waist.

"Still hiding behind power?" Marlen smiled thinly. "Or is that how you survive now?"

"Mom," Marlen called suddenly, his voice carrying across the grand hall. "Look who's here."

Akiko tuned her gaze-and saw the woman freeze at the sound. Her eyes widened in shock the moment she saw Glen.

"Glen..." she whispered.

Harley. Their biological mother. The woman Glen had spent years avoiding. The one he'd shut out completely, even throwing her out when she dared to set foot in his office.

"Sit," Glen instructed Akiko curtly. She obeyed, settling onto the plush seat beside him, though her pulse quickened under the heavy tension that filled the room.

This wasn't just any party. It was Harley's grand celebration - the opening of her luxurious jewelry boutique. A display of wealth, power... and calculated image. She had invited Glen, likely praying he'd show up.

What she didn't expect... was that he'd bring someone with him. A woman. Proof that, even after cutting them all off, Glen could still walk in here - thriving, successful, untouchable.

"Glen, I want to talk to you for a moment," Harley said softly, approaching their table.

"What right do you have to talk to me?" Glen snapped, voice sharp, cold as glass.

Harley flinched - but the mask returned swiftly, her tone slipping back into the familiar game she always played to ease the tension.

"Is she your girlfriend?" Harley asked, her gaze shifting to Akiko, studying her. "She's beautiful."

"Of course," Glen replied stiffly, his voice clipped, guarded.

Harley sighed, lowering herself onto the chair across from them, her shoulders heavy with regret.

"Please, Glen... just for a moment. I really want to talk."

"Talk about what?" Glen's voice dropped lower, quiet but venomous. His bitterness laced every syllable. "You want to tell me you regret having a son like me?"

Harley's eyes faltered. Her gaze fell to the floor, the mask of confidence slipping, replaced by raw, heavy guilt. Beside him, Akiko felt Glen's grip tighten around her hand - cold, unrelenting. His fingers curled possessively over hers.

Before Harley could respond, a man in a sharp tuxedo approached, flashing a polished smile. "Mrs. Harley, the investors are asking for you."

Harley hesitated, her eyes flickering between Glen and the man. "Please... don't leave yet," she whispered.

Without waiting for his reply, she turned, quickly masking her emotions behind a perfect social smile as she walked toward the crowd. A heavy silence settled over the table for a brief moment - until another familiar voice cut through the air.

"Glen," Marlen's sharp tone called from the side, his expression unreadable. "Come with me. We need to talk."

Glen didn't react right away. His thumb traced slow, dangerous circles against Akiko's wrist as his eyes locked with his brother's.

Finally, he stood.

"Wait here," Glen ordered Akiko, his voice low, steady, absolute.

"Don't eateat anything until I get back." His fingers lingered on her wrist for a brief second longer, before he let go and walked away.

Akiko sat frozen, her pulse loud in her ears as she watched both men disappear into the crowd. Wondering if Glen would come back as the same man-or something darker.

Two brothers. Bound by blood. Torn apart by betrayal. Families didn't break without a reason. And Glen had never forgotten who he blamed for it.