Elio looked over his brother's and father's faces and let out a small twitch of his lips that was a restrained smile. At least out of all of them he was definitely the best looking.
The rest of his brothers had taken after their father due to their mothers weaker genes but Elio, even if he got nothing else from that woman, he at least got her looks.
Large sparkling eyes that always seemed to be as empty as a clear lake and a sharp jawline that added a dangerous charm to his face. Slightly plump lips that were enough to add an androgynous charm and a slightly large nose that brought it back to being masculine. As well, he had pure black hair, rather than the messy brown shades of his brothers and clear skin that required little maintenance.
The only thing he had gotten from his father was his height which was 6'2. He alone stood at 6'3 while the rest of his brothers varied between 5'11 and 6'2.
It was true that his father was incapable of giving birth to a completely useless child but in their business his looks were next to useless.
Elio could only thank the gods each and every day that he hadn't been born a girl, otherwise he was sure that he would have been sold off in a business merger years ago.
Finally it reached his turn and he gloomily stood up and said,
"President Adair. I did the pictorial for XX groups cosmetic line as well as the advertisement for YX group's skateboards. The funds should be coming in soon. As well I managed to argue a 15% cut of all sales for the group. That is all."
His father frowned at the form of address but didn't say anything and said,
"15%?"
Elio held back a roll of his eyes at the unimpressed tone in his father's voice and barely choked out his response in a calm tone,
" Considering we had no part in the marketing or production costs 15% is more than enough. As well its not as if the group is helping them with our brand name anyways. As well not a lot of people know I'm a son of Adair family since you instructed me to keep it hidden. I had to get those shares on my own."
His father stiffened at Elio's tone but at this point he was beyond caring and gathered his things then stormed to the door. Before he fully exited he turned and stiffly excused himself with a bow.
" Well then, President, Brothers. I'll be taking my leave."
As the door slammed shut Second brother looked at the closed door with an annoyed look on his face. As well, the oldest, John looked a tad surprised but due to his overwhelming lack of interest it soon passed. The other two hid their faces away and chose not to react.
The five men sat in silence for a few minutes before Chad finally snapped and said,
" how dare he! That mutt-"
He stopped himself when he realized the implications of his words and his father's sharp glare and sheepishly smiled an apology before continuing.
" That person! To speak to us that way! Is he somehow not aware of what he is?!"
" That's enough!"
Their father suddenly roared and put an end to the conversation. An ugly look stretched out onto Chads face as he realized that his father was defending the mutt once again.
" Cut father! Even we-"
He said, gesturing to the legitimate children of the family.
" don't speak to you in such a manner! How could you stand for this?! For all you know the brat isn't even yours! He's just a leech that's never brought pride to our family and has just sub existed for the past 18 years of his time with us!"
"Chad! I said that's enough!"
His father, who had always played favorites, glared down Chad for probably the first time in his life and had an expression of…..disappointment?
Chad's eyes widened as he registered the unfamiliar emotion being sent towards him and he finally realized just how determined his father was to protect the little brat!
Regardless of how many awards or positions he or even his brothers got all they ever received was a nod or even sometimes just a low grunt. But to Elio he would always give feedback and actually respond.
This fact bothered all of them! Even John, as reluctant as he was to admit it would sometimes make a comment about it.
Chads resolve firmed and a bland expression spread across his usually expressive face as he bowed in apology.
" Sorry father. I lost my patience."
The two men stood at a standstill for a moment before he finally nodded and said in a much cooler tone than earlier,
" Its fine. Just watch your mouth. Regardless of where he came from he is still my child. And nothing will change that. That goes for all of you as well!"
Finally after finishing his uncharacteristically kind and heartfelt words he walked out of the room and left only his four sons with each other.
Once the door closed shut behind their father Chad immediately went to the center of the room and began to address each of his brothers.
" Don't you guys see it too? If I didn't know any better I would say that we were the illegitimate ones and Elio was the real son! Even though he looks nothing like any of us! Even dad!"
This time John was the one to cut him off, he stood up from his seat and for the first time showed more than just an uninterested expression on his face. This time showing a condescending one towards his blood related younger brother.
" Stop it while you aren't noticeably behind Chad! Haven't you noticed? Your results this quarter have been the most inconclusive. What, you got only a 'promise' after a whole week of lobbying? Even Elio, the one you keep looking down on managed to get a whole 15% of a stock that even Aloic could't get! If you dislike the look of him that much then either beat him down with your results or do something about it!"
Then John left with a slightly more than annoyed expression on his face. Aloic follow after him to ask him about a few extra funds for his entertainment company and Bullet, the youngest only respectfully excused himself to Chad before he left.
Chad grinded his teeth together in anger as he watched his entire family side with a mutt that had been all but picked up from the side of the road.
'Johns right. As long as that kid is still here things won't ever be right.'