Chapter 27: Brother Against Brother

The elevator ride to the top floor of the Sterling Group was silent.

Serenity stood next to Jackson, holding his hand tight. His palm was warm, but his face was cold as stone.

"Remember," Jackson stared at the metal doors reflecting their faces. "Don't let him provoke you. Mason feeds on fear."

"I'm not scared," Serenity straightened her back. "I've dealt with tough clients. A rude brother-in-law is nothing."

Jackson glanced at her and gave a small, proud smirk. "That's my girl."

Ding.

The doors opened. The secretary, Luke, was waiting outside, looking pale.

"He's inside the conference room, Boss," Luke whispered. "He brought his own lawyers. And... he is sitting in your chair."

Jackson’s eyes darkened. "Of course he is."

Jackson pushed the heavy mahogany doors open. Bam! The sound echoed through the room.

Inside, the board members were sitting in silence, sweating nervously. At the head of the table—the seat reserved only for the CEO—sat a young man.

He looked strikingly similar to Jackson. Same black hair, same sharp jawline. But his eyes were different. While Jackson’s eyes were cold and commanding, this man’s eyes were narrow and serpentine, filled with mockery.

Mason Sterling.

"Welcome, brother!" Mason spun the leather chair around, spreading his arms wide. "You are late. I was just keeping your seat warm."

"Get up," Jackson said calmly. He didn't shout, but his voice carried an undeniable weight of authority.

"Is that how you greet family?" Mason stood up slowly, buttoning his flashy grey suit. "I missed you too, Jack. It’s been ten years."

"Not long enough," Jackson walked to the head of the table. He stared at Mason until the younger man finally yielded and stepped aside.

Jackson took a disinfectant wipe from the table, deliberately wiped the armrest where Mason had touched, and threw it in the trash can.

"Luke," Jackson sat down. "Open the window. It smells like garbage in here."

The board members gasped. Mason’s smile twitched for a second, but he quickly recovered.

"Still arrogant as ever," Mason chuckled. "But things have changed. I own 15% of the shares now. I have a right to sit here."

"15% gives you the right to sit in the corner and shut up," Jackson snapped his fingers. Luke threw a stack of documents on the table. "State your business, Mason. Then get out."

Mason ignored the documents. Instead, his eyes shifted to the woman standing beside Jackson.

His gaze raked over Serenity’s body, lingering on her curves with zero respect.

"And this must be the lovely sister-in-law," Mason licked his lips slightly. He walked towards Serenity, extending a hand. "The famous Vera. I’ve seen your photos. You look much... tastier in person."

Serenity felt a wave of disgust. He looked at her like she was a piece of meat.

"Don't touch me," Serenity said coldly. She didn't shake his hand.

"Feisty," Mason smirked. He took a step closer, invading her personal space. "Come on, give your brother-in-law a hug..."

Before he could touch her, a strong arm shot out.

Jackson grabbed Mason’s wrist in mid-air. His grip was so tight that Mason winced in pain.

"I warned you ten years ago, Mason," Jackson stood up, towering over his half-brother. His eyes were burning with murderous intent.

"You can try to steal my money. You can try to steal my company. But if you touch my wife..."

Jackson twisted Mason’s wrist sharply.

"Arrgh!" Mason cried out, dropping to one knee.

"I will break every bone in your body," Jackson whispered into his ear. "Do we understand each other?"

The boardroom was dead silent. Even the lawyers were terrified to move.

"Fine! Fine!" Mason gritted his teeth, sweat rolling down his forehead. "Let go!"

Jackson shoved him away with disgust. Mason stumbled back, clutching his red wrist.

The smile on Mason's face was gone, replaced by pure venom.

"Good show, Jackson," Mason hissed, straightening his jacket. "Protect your precious wife. Because you can't be everywhere at once."

He looked at Serenity one last time—a look that promised retribution—and headed for the door.

"See you around, family. The game has just begun."

Mason slammed the door shut.

Serenity let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She looked at Jackson. He was shaking slightly from rage.

"Jackson," she touched his arm.

"He threatened you," Jackson turned to her, checking her for any injuries. "He is targeting you to get to me."

"I can handle him," Serenity said bravely.

"No," Jackson grabbed his phone. "He crossed the line the moment he looked at you."

"Luke!" Jackson barked. "Triple the security at the villa. Send two bodyguards to follow Alex and Mia 24/7. And hire a detail for Serenity."

"I'm not losing anyone else," Jackson pulled Serenity into a tight hug, burying his face in her hair. "I swear, if he touches a hair on your head, I will kill him myself."

Serenity hugged him back, looking at the closed door.

She knew this wasn't just a business rivalry anymore.
It was war.