She’s My Sister

Jaxton's brow arched slightly, his expression unreadable. He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin. "That case was closed months ago. No one's even talking about it anymore."

"That's the problem," Aiden said, his voice rising slightly. "It was swept under the rug, and everyone just accepted that she was guilty. Ever since she got bailed out, the whispers haven't stopped. She's being tagged as a traitor, Jaxton…a snitch. And I can't let that stand. I won't."

Jaxton's gaze didn't waver. "You know reopening this case won't be easy. The company will fight it. Hard."

"I don't care," Aiden said firmly. "She's my sister. She doesn't deserve to carry that label for the rest of her life. I should've done something earlier, but I didn't. Now I'm fixing that. I need your help."

Jaxton's lips curved into a faint smirk. "You want me to be her lawyer?"

"Not want, Jaxton. I need you to." Aiden leaned forward, his hands resting on the edge of the desk. "You're the best lawyer there is. Everyone knows it. People fear you for a reason. You walk into a courtroom, and they know they've already lost. If anyone can clear her name, it's you."

Jaxton's smirk faded, his jaw tightening slightly as his gaze turned serious. "You know this isn't just about proving her innocence," he said quietly. "Reopening the case means digging into everything. Finding out who the real culprit is. That might mean going up against people who don't want the truth to come out."

"I don't care," Aiden said, his voice firm. "Let them try to stop us. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my sister."

Jaxton leaned back, the faintest flicker of a smile crossing his lips. "Aiden," he said, his voice calm but carrying a note of finality. "I'll do it, but not because you're asking me as her brother. I'll do it because it's my responsibility as her husband now."

Aiden blinked, momentarily thrown off by the statement. He studied Jaxton's face and saw no hesitation in his eyes, only determination.

"Look," Jaxton continued, his voice softening. "I know Aneira doesn't trust me yet, and maybe she thinks I'm some heartless playboy. But I would never stand by and let her suffer, Aiden. Not as her husband. Not as a man."

Aiden studied him for a moment longer, the protectiveness in Jaxton's voice catching him off guard. He nodded slowly. "Good," he said, his tone gruff but relieved. "Because if you ever hurt her, Jaxton, I swear I'll-"

"You won't have to," Jaxton interrupted, a confident smirk returning to his face. "I'll take care of her."

"Good," Aiden said, rising from his chair. His gaze lingered on Jaxton for a moment before shifting to the window. Aneira was his one and only sister, and the guilt in his chest felt like a heavy weight he couldn't shake off. He hadn't been there for her, hadn't shown her the love, care, or support she deserved. She had been through so much; things she should never have faced alone.

He clenched his fists, the regret boiling inside him. Not anymore. He wouldn't let her keep suffering for something she didn't do. This time, he would stand by her, no matter what.

Jaxton, sensing Aiden's inner struggle, glanced up. His sharp blue eyes softened, but he stayed quiet, letting the silence speak for them both.

A soft knock broke the stillness. The door to Jaxton's office opened, and his secretary stepped inside. She was a sharp-looking woman with a sleek ponytail and glasses perched on her nose. Holding a folder, she said, "Sir, the details of the Landau case have arrived. You'll need to review them before the board meeting at noon."

Aiden straightened, giving her a polite nod before turning to Jaxton. "Looks like you're busy. I'll leave you to it."

Jaxton stood, walking around his desk to see Aiden to the door. "Let me know if you need updates," he said. His tone carried the same calm authority as always, but there was a hint of something stronger; determination.

Aiden nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I'll be waiting. Just make sure you do what you promised, Jaxton."

Jaxton smirked faintly. "When have I ever let you down?"

Aiden paused at the door, his hand on the handle. "This isn't just about a case. It's about my sister. Don't forget that."

"I won't," Jaxton said, his voice steady.

With a final glance, Aiden left, the door clicking shut behind him.

Jaxton returned to his desk, his face calm as he opened the folder the secretary had handed him. But as he scanned the documents, his thoughts drifted back to Aneira.

He hadn't spoken to her since leaving the house, and a strange unease settled in his chest. Had she eaten breakfast? It was almost lunchtime now. He picked up his phone, scrolling to her number, but hesitated. Instead of calling her directly, he dialed another number.

"Check if Mrs. Haydra has had breakfast," he ordered. "And tell the chefs to prepare lunch for her. Something nutritious and light. Make sure it's ready soon."

"Yes, sir," came the quick reply before he ended the call.

"Mr. Haydra?"

He looked up to see his secretary, Dana, standing just inside the office, a stack of neatly arranged files in her hands. She had been standing there quietly since Aiden left, waiting for his attention.

"Dana," he said, motioning for her to approach.

She stepped forward, placing the files on his desk with practiced precision. "These are the details of the Landau case," she began. "I've reviewed the documentation and highlighted the key points that require your attention. The case involves disputed land ownership tied to the expansion project. The meeting this afternoon will address the final investor concerns, and you'll need to confirm the legality of the acquisition."

Jaxton picked up the top file, flipping it open as she spoke. He didn't miss the slight tremor in her voice, nor the way she avoided his gaze.

Her hands clasped tightly in front of her as she continued. "The preliminary arguments are solid, but there are a few points the investors might challenge. I've included your previous notes for reference."

She paused, glancing at him. His sharp focus, the way his fingers deftly turned the pages, only heightened her admiration for him. For two years, she had worked closely with Jaxton, and in that time, her feelings for him had grown into something more than professional respect.

But she knew better than to let those feelings show. Yet, standing here now, so close to him, she couldn't stop her heart from racing.

Jaxton finally looked up, his gaze sharp. "Anything else?"

She froze for a moment before shaking her head. "No, sir. Unless… you need clarification on the documents?"

Her voice softened unintentionally, and Jaxton raised an eyebrow. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her, noting the faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"Dana, you seem distracted," he said flatly. "If there's something wrong, say it. Otherwise, focus. I don't have time for half-hearted work."

Her face flushed deeper, and she quickly shook her head. "I'm sorry, Mr. Haydra. It won't happen again."

"Good," he replied, dismissing her with a nod before turning his attention back to the files.

Dana stood there for a moment longer, feeling the sting of his words. She had wanted to impress him, but instead, she'd let her emotions cloud her professionalism. With a quiet apology, she turned and left the office, her heart heavy with both embarrassment and longing.

Once the door shut behind her, Jaxton leaned back in his chair, letting out a sigh. He flipped through the documents again, but his thoughts drifted back to Aneira. Maybe I should've called her directly, he thought, rubbing his temples.