Chapter 2 – The Empire Was Never His
Chapter 2 – The Empire Was Never His
The rain had barely stopped when a convoy of black SUVs rolled through the iron gates.
Adrian frowned from the grand foyer.
"What is this?" he demanded.
His mistress, Vanessa, clutched the brilliant blue diamond necklace around her neck. "Probably one of your clients."
But the butler, whose face had suddenly turned pale, stepped forward.
"Sir... they're asking for you."
The front doors swung open.
Six attorneys entered first.
Behind them came two forensic accountants, three security specialists, and finally an older man with silver hair, a calm expression, and unmistakable authority.
Richard Hawthorne.
Claire's father.
One of the wealthiest investors in the country.
Adrian stared at him in disbelief.
"Mr. Hawthorne? What an unexpected honor."
Richard didn't shake his hand.
Instead, he looked around the mansion with quiet disappointment.
"So this is how you've treated my daughter."
The room went silent.
Vanessa looked from Adrian to Claire, who had just walked through the doorway wearing a warm coat someone had wrapped around her shoulders.
"Daughter?" Vanessa whispered.
Adrian laughed nervously.
"There must be some misunderstanding."
"There isn't," Richard replied.
"For ten years, Claire asked me to let you believe she'd walked away from her family fortune. She wanted to know whether you loved her—or her money."
Claire lowered her eyes.
"I believed you loved me, Adrian."
Richard nodded toward one of the attorneys.
"Begin."
Folders were placed across the dining table.
Property deeds.
Corporate records.
Trust agreements.
Stock certificates.
Every document carried one name.
Claire Hawthorne.
Adrian grabbed the first folder.
"This isn't possible."
"It is," the lead attorney said calmly.
"The mansion is owned by the Hawthorne Family Trust."
He opened another file.
"The holding company that owns your corporation funded its original capital through an investment personally guaranteed by Miss Hawthorne."
Another document appeared.
"The patents responsible for seventy percent of the company's revenue were transferred into the trust years ago. You received only a management license."
Adrian's confidence vanished.
"No..."
Claire finally spoke.
"I never wanted power."
"I wanted a family."
Richard looked directly at Adrian.
"You mistook kindness for weakness."
Then he turned to security.
"Escort Ms. Vanessa to the guest lounge."
Vanessa crossed her arms.
"I don't take orders from anyone."
One of the attorneys held up another document.
"The blue diamond necklace you're wearing is listed as protected family property."
Claire looked at the necklace her late mother had worn every anniversary.
"My mother left that to me."
Vanessa slowly reached for the clasp.
Her hands were shaking.
She removed it without another word.
May you like
For the first time all night...
Adrian realized nothing around him actually belonged to him.
