After dropping Evelyn safely to her parents' place, Alexander made his way to the Reid mansion.
As he had expected, his father called him early in the morning ordering him to come home.
He knew exactly why he was summoned and he was ready to face the consequences while making sure Evelyn is not blamed for anything.
Alexander's jaw tightened at the thought of seeing his younger brother Jack, who he knew would definitely be present.
Suppressing the strong urge to discipline his brother with a punch for what he had done, he stepped on the gas pedal and drove faster towards the mansion.
…..
[The Reid Mansion]
Alexander's car rolled up the long driveway of the Reid family mansion.
The gates swung open, revealing the sprawling estate, marble fountains and perfectly trimmed gardens.
The grand doors of the mansion opened and he walked into the familiar polished interior. The air smelled of polished wood and leather.
Everything in the Reid mansion screamed legacy and power. It was a reminder that generations of wealth and influence had built this empire.
He had barely spent a whole minute in the mansion before an infuriating figure appeared—Jack.
"You—" Alexander's voice was sharp and uncontrollable. Rage surged through him and without thinking, he lunged and slapped Jack hard across the face.
The sound echoed off the marble walls.
Jack staggered back, stunned.
Alexander grabbed him by the collar, lifting him slightly. "If you ever treat any woman like that again— I swear, I will make sure you end up ten feet underground—" His voice was low, deadly and shaking with fury.
Jack blinked and for a moment, Alexander saw defiance, surprise and maybe a hint of fear.
But it wasn't just Jack he was angry at—it was the betrayal. Evelyn was his brother's girlfriend and yet he couldn't stop himself from feeling possessive and almost territorial.
All the feelings he had suppressed for so many years had sprawled back, making him feel vulnerable again.
He hated Jack for what he did but more than that, he hated how helpless he had felt knowing she was hurt.
"Enough!" Their father's deep commanding voice cut through the tension.
He stepped between them and placed a firm hand on Alexander's chest. "Alexander, you did right by her but we can't afford to lose control. There is no time for discipline right now. The scandal has already started and there are bigger matters to address."
Alexander's hands relaxed but his glare didn't fade.
Jack rubbed his cheek, muttering something under his breath but Alexander ignored him.
"Our priority—" Benjamin Reid, their Father continued, "is protecting the Reid name. Your actions were justified but the world has already seen. We need a solution and we need it fast."
Having scandals in their circle was very common and Benjamin had never paid any heed to them. In fact, he considered them to be quite irrational. But this time it was different.
The present scandal included his two sons and a woman. It not only questioned the relationship between the two Reid brothers but also the loyalty and faithfulness of the Reid family.
Alexander's chest tightened. The weight of his family, the empire and his responsibility as CEO pressed down on him. But more than that, he couldn't shake Evelyn's face—red, trembling, humiliated and the helpless feeling it stirred in him.
He glanced at Jack, who now looked deflated but still irritatingly confident.
The youngest Reid had always been reckless and careless. Unlike Alexander, he took no responsibility for the company or his actions. He had always relied on his family, especially Alexander to clear the mess he created. But this time it was different.
This time, Alexander's anger was unavoidable. Every fibre of him wanted to punish Jack but he also had to think strategically.
"We can't let this destroy everything our family has built," his father said. "The public, the media—they will be merciless. But you acted for the right reason."
Alexander's hands flexed. "I will make sure the situation is under control. Nothing more will happen."
"We cannot let this destroy the family's reputation," his father said. "The public and media will be relentless. But your actions were justified. Contain this and then we will deal with your brother properly."
The Reid family history was grand, intimidating, full of old money and power. Their multinational company spanned finance, technology, real estate and more. Alexander had spent years learning to navigate the politics, the weight of expectations, the constant need to balance power and family and now all of it was crashing down because of a single reckless act.
Jack straightened his shirt, trying to look calm though the sting on his cheek was still visible. "I can fix this," he said in a casual and confident tone. "I will apologize, handle the media, and—"
"Enough—" their father barked, slamming a hand down on the table. "You have done enough already, Jack. Stay out of this."
Jack wiped the hint of blood from the corner of his mouth, but his smirk returned almost immediately. "I am serious," he said with arrogance. "Evelyn is my girlfriend. I should be the one apologizing and fixing this mess. It's my problem, not yours."
Alexander's teeth clenched. "Stay away from her," he growled. "I don't care what you think you are entitled to. She is off-limits."
Jack laughed and stepped closer. "What is your deal, huh? You got a thing for my girlfriend or something? Don't worry—I don't mind sharing."
Alexander froze for a fraction of a second and then he moved like a storm. He grabbed Jack by the collar and yanked him forward. His hands were like iron and his eyes burned with fury. "I warned you!" he spat. "One more word, one more move and you will regret it more than you can imagine."
This time, their father didn't step in. The tension was too thick and volatile.
Alexander's entire body vibrated with rage he could barely retain.
Jack's smirk was replaced with the flicker of unease.
"You think this is a game?" Alexander hissed, shaking him slightly. "Do not—ever—treat her like that again!"
Jack swallowed hard. "And what? Will you punish me? Go ahead, big brother. I am not afraid of you."
"Jack—Shut up," their father growled. "You have crossed all lines this time." He slightly narrowed his eyes as he glared at his youngest. "You wronged a woman yesterday and treated her poorly. Is this how I raised you?" There was no doubt he was disappointed and he wouldn't let Jack off the hook so easily but for now, his focus was elsewhere.
"Alexander—let go of your brother," Benjamin added. " And for now, contain yourself. We have bigger fires to handle. The family's reputation, the company and the media should come first."
Alexander didn't respond. He let go off Jack's collar and marched upstairs towards his study room.
…..