The Adopted Heir

Chapter Two ~ The Games We Play

Jason Duvall lay back against his cool silk sheets, staring lazily at the ceiling as he lit a cigarette.

The room smelled of expensive cologne, sweat, and the faint sweetness of the woman now sprawled beside him. She was still catching her breath after the last round, the soft rise and fall of her chest highlighted by the glow of the dim bedside lamp.

She propped herself up on one elbow, running her manicured finger along his chest. "You know…" she said softly, voice teasing but with an edge "I've been thinking..."

Jason smirked, blowing out a lazy puff of smoke. "Thinking?...that's dangerous for a girl beautiful as you" She rolled her eyes.

"I'm serious, Jason. When are you going to introduce me to your parents?"

Jason turned his head toward her. "Huh?"

"You heard me" she said, sitting up straighter now. "It's been six months. six months of you flying me around, spoiling me with gifts, and sneaking me into your apartment at ungodly hours. When do I get to meet Mommy and Daddy Duvall?"

Jason chuckled, resting his cigarette on the edge of an ashtray. "Sweetheart..." he said slowly, like he was explaining something to a two year old.

"Did I...or did I not make it very clear from day one that this…" He gestured lazily between them "…is just games. Their are no feelings or commitments attached. Its. Just. Fun."

She froze, eyes narrowing. "Fun? That's what you call this?"

"Exactly..." Jason grinned, leaning back on one arm. "You're beautiful, you're wild, and you're fun and sexy. But let's not pretend this was anything more than what it is."

Her face hardened, then slowly into a smirk. "Wow"

She angrily swung her legs out of bed, yanking the sheets off in a single motion. Jason watched her, with amusement as she stormed around the bedroom gathering her clothes.

"You know what?" she said sharply, "You're a fuckin asshole, Jason Duvall"

“Ouch…” Jason smirked. “What did I do to deserve that?” he joked, spreading his arms wide in exaggerated confusion.

Savannah stomped to the dresser, grabbing her purse, her movements dramatic enough to make the jewelry on her ears jingle.

Jason leaned back, watching the performance like it was a show he'd already seen a dozen times.

"What did I do to deserve this..." she repeated mockingly, shoving her feet into her stilettos. "You're just like everyone says. A spoiled brat. You don't give a s**t about anyone but yourself!"

"Come on Savannah" Jason muttered, scrambling off the bed as he tried to reach her. But she was already at the door, her hand gripping the knob like a final warning.

“Savannah...babe”

“Go to hell Jason!” she snapped, her voice breaking as she slammed the door behind her.

"Whatever..." Jason chuckled to himself. He reached for his cigarette again, taking a slow drag, letting the silence settle in the room.

His phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking his moment of peace. He groaned, grabbing it and glancing at the screen. It was Sarah, the family's longtime nanny. Jason raised an eyebrow.

"Sarah?" he answered, putting her on speaker while he stubbed out his cigarette.

"Mister Jason" Carlota's accented voice came through, tight with concern "your parents are asking for you. They seem very annoyed."

Jason snorted. "They're always annoyed."

"Your father is pacing and your mother is calling for everyone. Adam is already here"

Jason swung his legs off the bed, raking a hand through his messy hair. "And what's the emergency now?"

"They want all of you present. Immediately."

"Right" Jason sighed, leaning back on the bed. "Of course they do"

Jason ended the call without responding further, tossing the phone onto the nightstand. He stared at the ceiling for a moment, his smirk fading slightly. He knew that tone in Sarah's voice—she'd raised all of them, practically their second mother.

When she was serious, it usually meant trouble. Still, he wasn't about to rush. Jason Duvall didn't rush for anyone.

He got up, walking toward his closet. The place was a shrine to his vanity—rows of designer suits, shoes lined up like soldiers, watches in a glass case. He pulled on a crisp white shirt and tailored slacks, adding a gold chain for flair. His reflection in the mirror grinned back at him, cocky and untouchable.

By the time he stepped out of his penthouse, the late morning sun was glaring, and his sunglasses were firmly in place. He slid into his sleek black Ferrari, ignoring the doorman's greeting, and peeled out of the building's driveway with a roar of the engine.

***

The Duvall mansion loomed ahead an hour and 20 minutes later. Jason rolled his eyes as he parked. He'd grown up here, but it always felt less like a home and more like a stage.

Inside, the tension was palpable. The air smelled faintly of Clara's expensive perfume and Andrew's cigars. The staff moved quickly but quietly, as if sensing a storm.

Sarah met him at the door, wringing her hands. "Mister Jason" she said sharply "Finally"

Jason gave her a lazy grin. "Relax, Sarah. I'm here, aren't I?"

She smiled faintly. "Welcome home, Go. They are waiting for you"

Jason strolled through the mansion, ignoring the glares from the staff. He could already hear his father's booming voice echoing down the hallway.

"Unacceptable! I will not tolerate this nonsense!"

Jason pushed the study doors open and stepped inside. Andrew was pacing behind his massive oak desk, Clara seated elegantly in one of the armchairs, her expression calm but cold. Taylor stood by the window, arms crossed in his usual composed self.

"Ah, the prodigal son..." Andrew barked as soon as he saw Jason. "You finally decided to pick up the f*****g call"

Jason smirked. "Sorry dad, I've been...really busy"

"Bullshit." Andrew slammed his hand on the desk. "You think this is a joke?"

Jason walks straight to his mother and gave her a kiss on her forehead as she hugs him back with one am while sitting. ignoring his father for some seconds "Hey Mom..."

Jason shrugged. "So what's the emergency all about? 'cause everybody looks fine to me"

"Sit down" Clara said coolly, cutting through his sarcasm. Jason obeyed, plopping into a chair with exaggerated nonchalance. "Hi brother" he says mockingly to Richard who was silent the whole time.

Andrew glared at him. "You're a disgrace, Jason. Out all night, sleeping with God knows who, wasting the company's money on what? Parties? Women?"

Jason smirked. "And cars?"

"SHUT UP!" Andrew roared.

Jason leaned back, unbothered. "You called me all the way here to lecture me? I could've gotten this over the phone."

Adam shot him a sharp look. "Jason, maybe try not antagonizing him."

Jason chuckled. "I was not talking to you, pick me!"

Clara sighed softly, as she stands. "Jason, this family is under a microscope. The press is everywhere. Every move we make is scrutinized. Your father cannot have one of his sons behaving like a… like a reckless playboy."

Jason's grin widened. "A reckless playboy" he whispered under his breath "But that's exactly what I am."

Andrew slammed his fist down again, the sound echoing through the room. "You think this is funny? You think this family's reputation is a game?"

Jason's smirk faltered slightly at the rage in his father's eyes, but he didn't flinch. "You built this empire on ruthlessness and fear, Dad" he said slowly. "Don't act like I'm the one tarnishing the family name."

Andrew's glare could've cut through steel, but Clara stepped in, placing her hand on her husband's arm. "Enough Andrew" she said firmly. "We have more important matters to discuss than Jason's behavior."

Jason raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"