Chapter 4 Between Brothers

Dorian hurried along the sidewalk, his frustration imcreasing. He had zero patience tonight for that woman accosting him over some meaningless parking spat.

The muffled thump of the restaurant door closing behind him momentarily muted the chaos of the bustling street. He drew a deep breath, trying to calm his growing anger before confronting Oscar.

There was no use losing composure over some stranger when he needed focus dealing with more important things.

He strode briskly towards the VIP section of the Lounge, his jaw clenched. He couldn't believe Oscar would actually go through with publicly announcing a lawsuit against him. They may have their differences, but airing the family grievances over Vance Industries felt like a betrayal after all these years.

It didn't take long to spot Oscar nursing a whiskey at the far end of the sleek black bar. As Dorian stalked directly over, his adoptive brother glanced up with a sly smile.

"Well, look who it is. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Oscar drawled.

Dorian cut straight to the point. "What's this I hear about you announcing a lawsuit over Vance's inheritance?"

Amusement danced in Oscar's eyes though his smile held an edge. "I should've known the Board would come whispering to you once they caught wind."

Dorian crossed his arms, refusing his usual mind games.

"It doesn't matter who tipped me off. Don't assume the staff would suddenly be disloyal just because some outsider is trying to take over."

Some outsider...?

He saw the verbal jab hit its mark as Oscar's relaxed expression chilled subtly. He took a delicate sip from his rocks glass, a thin veil masking rising temper.

Dorian pressed further at the subtle reaction.

"When exactly were you planning to inform me directly about contesting rights in court?"

He was unable to keep sharp accusation from his inquiry this time. "Or did you intend I learn of the lawsuit through public headlines along with the rest of the city?"

Their gazes locked and held, a dozen emotions flashing across Oscar's face - annoyance, defiance, then cunning consideration.

"I don't have to justify anything to you. You know what, if you want to legally contest the will, fine. Just don't drag my name publicly through the mud in some smear campaign press conference."

Oscar's eyes glinted. "Worried about staining your polished reputation? I'm simply fighting for what's owed to me. Or does big brother still intimidate you into backing down?"

"Don't think I don't see through this...charade. You've never made peace with Vance choosing me as his successor. Contesting the will won't get you any-"

"You mean the questionable addition you produced just after you were passed some controlling shares? Quite a timely revelation, that document." Oscar retorted sharply.

"It was perfectly legal. And you know that," Dorian said through gritted teeth.

"Yet so conveniently advantageous for you," Oscar mused.

Dorian pressed his palm firmly on the cool granite bar, struggling to contain his rising temper.

He clenched his fist, the gauntlet thrown down between them.

"Careful, Oscar. I tried resolving this amicably first, as family should. Don't force my hand here."

His brother merely smiled coolly. "Consider me fully warned. Now if you'll excuse me..."

Oscar downed the last of his whiskey and slid out of the booth. He smirked at Dorian as he straightened his suit jacket.

"I'll be seeing you in court, brother."

With that parting shot, Oscar strode smoothly away, the crowd automatically parting for his exit. Dorian watched him disappear through the lounge doors, jaw clenched.