The Effort In Vain

Joe was driving his car at high speed. His eyes looked straight at the deserted road. Like his plan yesterday, today he wanted to see Chris. Alone.

No matter the number of bodyguards guarding his brother's house, Joe was determined to make Chris undo his intention to take Briana, then kill the girl. Joe wanted to prevent his brother from taking revenge for their father's death.

"Look who's here," Chris exclaimed at his door, clapping loudly as he saw Joe get out of his car.

Joe didn't seem to hear his brother's words. He walked with a stride towards Chris who looked at him with a mocking look. He wasn't going to let Chris intimidate him like he always did.

"I want to talk to you," Joe said seriously after being in front of Chris.

Chris looked the other way. He signaled some of his bodyguards to get away from them. Now he didn't need his bodyguards' help yet. Besides, Joe came here alone so there was nothing to worry about.

"We can talk in my room," Chris said once they were alone.

Chris walked first, and Joe followed close behind. Angela had met them in the hallway between her room and Chris' study. But she chose to remain silent and pretended not to care about them.

Chris closed the door to his room and sat down behind his desk. Meanwhile, Joe chose to stand facing his brother. With a sardonic look in his eyes, Chris watched Joe from head to toe. Apparently his brother had changed a lot.

"Hurry up and say it! I don't have much time."

Joe cleared his throat briefly. "I came here to ask you to stay away from Briana," Joe said quietly. He had seen the change in his brother's face. Chris couldn't hide his surprise after hearing his words.

Chris snorted in annoyance then burst out laughing. "You think I'm a fool you can just order around? Huh?" Chris kicked his desk hard. "How could you protect a murderer? Shouldn't you avenge your father's death by killing him too?" Chris provoked.

"You shouldn't say that. Briana did kill dad but you don't know the story behind it," Joe snapped.

"You think I care? It's the same to me. Once a murderer, always a murderer," Chris snapped. "I can't get over it. You're willing to protect him when you know what he did wrong."

"I'm not protecting him for no reason. You should at least know why he killed Dad," Joe said.

"I think it's a waste to give you time to talk. You're just talking nonsense," Chris said next.

Joe clenched his fists tightly. He should have known that it wouldn't be easy for him to persuade Chris to forget about his revenge. There seemed to be no other way but to fight Chris tooth and nail. For Briana's sake he would do anything to keep her safe.

"I asked you nicely. But you flatly refused. So, I hope you won't do something that you will regret later," Joe concluded before leaving the room.

"You know our feud is not only about that girl. I won't put up with everything you get out of that damn will," Chris exclaimed sarcastically.

Joe let go of the door knob that he wanted to turn. He took a deep breath. With his back to his brother, Joe began to speak softly.

"Do you realize why father gave everything to me?"

"Of course it's all because you interfered in this matter. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have given you all his assets if you hadn't interfered," Chris replied arrogantly.

"You're dead wrong. Dad has been watching you secretly all this time. He understands very well what you're doing in the business world." Joe turned around and stared hard at Chris. "You can only squander money and destroy some of the businesses he has worked so hard to build."

Chris froze in place. Everything Joe said was true. But his ego wouldn't let him give in. After all, he was the first son of Richard Carter. So he also had the right to inherit some important assets owned by his father.

"You should know your mistakes before you demand your rights."

After saying that Joe immediately left leaving Chris alone. He didn't want to stay any longer in his brother's house. With a heavy heart he decided that from now on his relationship with Chris was over. Although they had the same name, they were no longer brothers.

***

"How did it go, Boss? Is your brother willing to reconcile with you?" Antonio walked straight up to Joe when Joe arrived at the front yard of the house.

Joe shook his head slowly. "I couldn't convince Kris to let Briana go," Joe said after getting out of the car. "He still wants revenge, and won't back down until Briana is dead by his hand."

Antonio immediately clenched his fists and pointed them at the air. He felt very upset that Joe had to feud with his brother. Having worked with Joe for the past five years, he could more or less judge the characters of the two brothers. As far as he could see, Chris was the one who was always looking for trouble with Joe. Jo always gave in despite the fact that she was able to repay all of Chris's treatment to her.

"So what are you going to do next, Boss?" Antonio asked curiously.

"As I said before. We have to increase the security personnel to guard this house," Jo explained. "Briana has become my responsibility, I need to protect her from Cris as much as possible."

Antonio just listened silently. All decisions were in Joe's hands. He just had to carry out the orders.

"Do you know where Briana is now?"

"She's been in her room since morning. I haven't seen her since," Antonio replied.

"Alright then. I guess that's all I have to say. I'll let you know if there's anything else you need to do," Joe said, and left Antonio.

Joe walked quickly up the stairs. He wanted to see how Briana was doing after yesterday. Maybe Briana's condition was much better than last night after she had a nightmare.

Joe opened the door to Briana's room without knocking first. His body immediately froze when he saw Briana still lying on the bed. He immediately approached Briana.

"Briana .... Wake up, it's almost noon. Why are you still sleeping?"

There was no answer. Briana stayed still without moving her body. Joe seemed to get a clue. His hand reached out to touch Briana's forehead. Joe immediately raised his hand after feeling the high heat on Briana's forehead.

"Antonio... Get a doctor here immediately," Joe shouted from the end of the stairs.