Erickâs expression turned icy.
âDonât call me elder brother.
Iâm afraid I canât afford such a title.
It might shorten my life.
â
Mitchelâs obsidian eyes were downcast as he endured Erickâs scorn with remarkable patience.
Right now, Mitchel appeared quite humble, which was a far cry from the image he usually projected.
But Erick was not swayed by Mitchelâs little performance.
When he spoke next, his voice was cold and stern.
âI advise you to give up on this idea as soon as possible.
As long as Iâm alive, you will never take advantage of my sister again!â
He got to his feet and dusted his trousers.
âI believe Iâve made myself clear.
We have nothing else to discuss.
Oh, and donât bother waiting for the liver porridge.
Iâve already ordered Reagan not to leave the house.
â
Erick was known for his stubbornness, a trait Mitchel had quickly recognized during their first interaction.
Thus, he waited for Erick to vent his anger before telling him why he had requested for this meeting.
âElder brother, I know youâve returned to secure the domestic shipping project.
â
Erick paused mid-step.
Scowling, he turned back to Mitchel and demanded, âWhat do you mean? Are you investigating me?â
âRelax, Iâm on your side, elder brother.
I would never harm you.
â
Erick was getting quite frustrated.
The more Mitchel called him elder brother, the more familiar his tone became.
However, his purpose for returning was a secret to all, yet, Mitchel had been able to discover it.
Erickâs eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of wariness rising within him.
Mitchelâs lips curved.
âI can help you secure the project.
â
âYou?â
Erick scoffed, his tone full of disbelief and derision.
âAs far as Iâm aware, the Dixon family has no history in shipping.
There is only one likely candidate for the project and that is the Boyd family.
And from what I recall, the Boyd and the Dixon families arenât on good terms.
â
Mitchel arched an eyebrow.
âWhile itâs well-known that the Boyd and Dixon families have a long-standing feud, there is a juicy scandal involving the Boyd family that may pique your interest.
â
The words were a missile, and they hit their target unerringly.
Erick stopped scowling, interest flashing across his eyes before he remembered to control his expression.
If the Boyd family were out of the picture, then victory was most assuredly his.
The thought had barely taken root in his mind when his elation deflated.
He knew what Mitchel wanted from him in exchange for his help.
But trading his sisterâs happiness for his own gain was something he would never contemplate.