CHAPTER 5

Bianca turned to see a dazzling young woman with a striking resemblance to the brothers. She was staring at Bianca with undiluted hatred.

“Enough people! I'm starving. Come on, have your seats, Dad will be here any minute.” Michelle quickly stepped in before the matter would escalate.

“He's not your dad Do not call him that!” The woman screeched, seemingly angry with everyone except Aiden.

“Stephanie!” Alex growled at her. He didn't like anyone hurting the woman he loved.

The dinner proceeded with the usual small talk and pleasantries, but the tension between Aiden and Alex was palpable. Aiden's father exchanged worried glances with Stephanie, clearly sensing the hostility.

"So, Aiden," Alex said suddenly, breaking the uneasy silence. "I heard you had a run-in with Mr. Grey today."

Aiden's eyes flicked to Michelle, who was watching him intently. "Yes, we had a bit of a disagreement."

"Is everything okay?" their father asked, concern etched on her face.

"Everything's fine," Aiden said, forcing a smile. "Just some business matters."

"As the dinner progressed, Aiden found it increasingly difficult to keep his composure. Seeing Alex and Michelle together, so happy and in love, was like a knife to his heart.

“Uh…where's the bathroom?” Bianca asked, wanting to escape from the suffocating room.

“Last door on your left, down the hall.”

“Thanks Michelle.”

She quickly disappeared into the bathroom and tried practicing her breathing exercises. She had barely recovered from her shameful lust for Aiden and now it seemed the family weren't in good terms.

“Escaping?” Michelle suddenly appeared from nowhere, smirking.

“Yeah. I don't thrive in hostility.” Bianca explained nervously. She wasn't ready for a pep talk.

“I don't too, but having known the Millers for twenty- five years now, I'm used to it. A little.” She started fixing her makeup while Bianca tried to tie her hair in a bun.

“This is how every family dinner is. Either Aiden doesn't show up or he comes extremely late. Stephanie, their baby sister, will keep scorning me and supporting Aiden no matter what.”

They were interrupted by the sound of shattering glass and Stephanie screaming.

Bianca and Michelle rushed out of the bathroom, their eyes widening at the chaotic scene before them. The dining room was in disarray, with shattered glass and upturned chairs scattered across the floor. In the center of it all stood Aiden and Alex, their faces contorted with rage.

"You think you can just steal my idea and get away with it?" Aiden shouted; his fists clenched at his sides.

Alex's eyes flashed with anger. "Your idea? I’ve been working on this game for months! You’re just mad because I’m better at executing it."

Aiden lunged at Alex, pushing him backward into the table. Plates and glasses crashed to the floor, adding to the mess. "You know damn well this was my concept! You had no right to take it."

Alex shoved Aiden back, his voice a growl. "I improved it, Aiden! Without my changes, it would’ve flopped. You're too proud to admit it."

"Enough!" Stephanie screamed, trying to get between them. "This isn't the place for this fight."

But her pleas fell on deaf ears as Aiden threw a punch, landing it squarely on Alex's jaw. Alex staggered back, wiping blood from his lip with the back of his hand. His eyes darkened with fury as he tackled Aiden to the ground, the two of them grappling and trading blows.

"Stop it! Both of you!" Michelle cried, trying to pull Alex off Aiden, but he shrugged her off.

"Aiden, stop!" their father shouted, his face pale with shock. "This is not how we handle things."

Aiden managed to get to his feet, glaring at Alex with pure hatred. "You’ve always been jealous of me. Always trying to one-up me, to take what’s mine."

Alex spat blood onto the floor, his chest heaving with exertion. "Jealous of you? You’re delusional. I’m just trying to make a name for myself, and if that means taking your half-baked ideas and making them better, then so be it."

Aiden roared in frustration and swung at Alex again, but this time Alex was ready. He ducked and landed a punch to Aiden's gut, making him double over in pain.

"You’re nothing but a spoiled brat," Alex said through gritted teeth. "Always thinking the world owes you something."

Bianca watched in horror, her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to intervene but felt paralyzed, unsure of what to do.

"That's enough!" their father bellowed, stepping between them and pushing them apart with surprising strength. "Both of you, sit down now!"

Aiden and Alex reluctantly backed away from each other, their breathing heavy and their faces bruised. The room fell into an uneasy silence, everyone too stunned to speak.

“Come on, Bianca. We're leaving.”

***

After the incident last night, Bianca decided to be careful around Aiden. It was obvious he has some anger issues and was dangerous.

That was why she immediately honored the invitation to his office that morning.

She only hoped it would be good.

“Hi!” She greeted as she walked into her office. He was so rude

Aiden didn't reply but whipped out a file from his briefcase.

I have a job for you. You will achieve all your dreams, ambitions and more. Sign here.”

He placed the documents on her desk, not waiting for her response.

Bianca looked up at him, irritated. Just because he was tall, tanned and handsome didn't mean she wanted to do absolutely anything possible to please him.

“I haven't even agreed. What's the job description?” Bianca tried to appear sensible but it was a difficult task, due to the intoxicating presence of the Greek god before her.

“Angel, you don't need to agree to it. You must. You really don't have a choice in this, considering that I can end your career with just a phone call or text.”

“So, why don't you be a nice, little hussy and sign the damn papers?”

Bianca knew very well that he meant business. This was Aiden Miller and he never left empty threats. So, she hesitantly signed the papers.

“Now, that wasn't so hard, was it, girlfriend?” He asked, as he circled the desk, making his way towards her.

“Wait! Girlfriend? What…”

Aiden silenced her efficiently as his lips claimed hers.