The Hart mansion stood tall and proud, a symbol of wealth and power. Inside, the air was heavy with tension as Adrian Hart sat on a velvet chair, facing his father, William Hart. The older man’s face was cold and stern, his sharp eyes fixed on his son.
"Adrian, you have embarrassed this family repeatedly, and this is the last time I am letting you do so," said Adrian's father, Mr. William.
Adrian shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his messy dark hair. He tried to look confident, but the weight of his father’s glare made him feel small.
"Dad, I didn't do all that. Someone might have framed me on purpose," said Adrian softly.
"Listen, Adrian," Mr. William began, "you are my son, and I know you very well. I know what you can and cannot do. Considering the recent series of events, there is no way you can convince me you are innocent unless with solid evidence."
"Dad, do you want to mean that you don't trust me, your son?" asked Adrian.
"In fact, I don't have a disgraceful son like you, from now on you are no longer a member of the Williams family. You’ll have no access to the company, no trust fund, no inheritance. You’re on your own.”
“You’re cutting me off?” Adrian asked, his voice breaking.
“Completely,” William said, “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”
Adrian flinched but quickly regained his composure. “I told you, Dad. I don’t remember anything.
“You were caught in a hotel room with Lydia Jakes!” William interrupted, his voice sharp enough to cut steel. “The wife of Mr. Jakes, my biggest associate. Adrian, do you have no shame at all? Do you think he’ll just forgive that? He’s already threatened to pull his investments and destroy our partnerships. Do you even understand what that means for this family?"
Adrian’s heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to meet his father’s piercing gaze. “I didn’t do anything with her,” he said, his voice steady but desperate. “I don’t know how I ended up there.
Maybe I was set up and someone drugged me. Dad believe me this once I know I am not righteous but I am not that shameless.
"Do you realize how pathetic you sound? Always blaming someone else for your mistakes. The drinking, the gambling, the fights and now this? How long do you expect me to clean up your messes?”
Adrian clenched his fists. He knew his reputation wasn’t spotless, but this time, he was innocent. He remembered going to the bar at the party and having a few drinks. The next thing he knew, he’d woken up in a strange hotel room with Lydia Jakes asleep beside him.
And then the door had burst open.
Mr. Jakes, furious and flanked by reporters and hotel staff, had caught them in a compromising position. Lydia had been groggy and confused, and Adrian couldn’t piece together how he ended up there. But it didn’t matter. The damage was done.
“I didn’t do this,” Adrian said through gritted teeth. “You have to believe me.”
William rose from his chair, his towering frame casting a shadow over Adrian. “Believe you?” he spat. “I’ve spent years covering for you, Adrian. Years protecting you from the consequences of your reckless behavior. But this? This is unforgivable. You’ve disgraced this family. You’ve jeopardized everything I’ve built. And now, Jake is threatening to bankrupt us because of you.”
“There’s nothing to explain!” William roared. “You’ve humiliated him, me, and this family. You’ve made us a laughingstock in the business world.”
Adrian opened his mouth to respond, but a knock at the door interrupted him. The heavy oak door creaked open, and Benson, Adrian’s older half-brother, stepped inside. His face was the picture of calm, but Adrian could see the glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
“Is this a bad time?” Benson asked, his voice smooth and composed.
William gestured for him to enter. “What is it, Benson?”
“I’ve just received word from the board,” Benson said, stepping forward. “They’re demanding action. They’re afraid this scandal will destroy shareholder confidence. If we don’t respond decisively, the fallout could be catastrophic.”
Adrian glared at his brother. There was something about Benson’s demeanor that always unsettled him. The man was calculated, always knowing the right thing to say and do to stay in their father’s good graces.
“What are you suggesting?” William asked, his tone heavy with suspicion.
Benson gave a small shrug, pretending to be hesitant. “It pains me to say this, but the board wants Adrian removed from all positions within the company. Effective immediately.”
Adrian shot up from his chair. “Are you kidding me? You’re going to listen to them?”
William didn’t answer right away. He stared at Benson, then at Adrian, his expression unreadable. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it?” Adrian accused, turning to Benson. “You’ve always wanted me out of the way. You think you’re so perfect, don’t you? Always acting like the golden child.”
Benson raised an eyebrow, his voice calm and condescending. “Don’t blame me for your mistakes, Adrian. I’ve worked hard to earn Father’s trust, while you’ve been busy tearing it apart.”
Adrian wanted to punch him, but he forced himself to stay in control. “This wasn’t my fault,” he said, looking back at his father. “I was set up. Someone wanted this to happen. Don’t you see that?”
William let out a bitter laugh. “A setup? Is that the best you can come up with?” He shook his head, his face hardening. “I’m done, Adrian. I’ve given you chance after chance, and you’ve let me down every time. From this moment on, you’re no longer a part of this family. You’re cut off, no money, no shares, no inheritance. You’ll have nothing.”
Adrian felt the words hit him like a punch to the gut. “You can’t be serious,” he whispered.
“I’m completely serious,” William said, his voice cold. “Get out of my house. Don’t come back until you’ve proven you’re not a disgrace to the Hart name.”
Adrian’s mind raced. He wanted to fight back, to plead his case, but he knew it would be useless. His father had made up his mind, and Benson was standing there like a smug vulture, waiting to take over.
Without another word, Adrian turned and walked out. His footsteps echoed through the grand halls of the mansion as he made his way to the front door.
Adrian’s chest tightened with anger and frustration. He knew someone had set him up, and deep down, he suspected Benson. His brother had always been calculating, always looking for ways to position himself as the rightful heir to the Hart empire.
Adrian walked aimlessly through the dimly lit streets, the cold biting through his thin coat. His mind raced as he tried to process the whirlwind of events that had led to this moment. Hours ago, he had been Adrian Hart, heir to a billion-dollar empire, untouchable in every sense of the word. But now, he was just Adrian.
His wallet had some little change cash, barely enough for a meal, let alone a place to stay. His father had moved quickly that his bank cards were already frozen before he’d even stepped foot off the Hart Mansion.
Adrian reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts. Surely, someone would help him. He had a number of rich friends from his circle of rich boys.
He dialed the first number that came to mind.
“Hey, Rob, it’s Adrian,” he said when the call connected.
There was a pause on the other end before Rob’s voice came through, hesitant. “hey, man. I heard about what happened. Are you okay?”
“Not really,” Adrian admitted. “Listen, I need a place to crash for a few days. Just until I figure things out. Can I come over?”
Rob hesitated again. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, man. My parents have been watching the news. They told me to stay out of this. I’m sorry.”
Adrian felt his stomach drop. “Rob, come on. We’ve been friends since college.”
“I know,” Rob said quickly, almost pleading. “But you’re toxic right now. My dad’s company has contracts with your family’s firm. If they find out I’m helping you, it could hurt us. I’m sorry, Adrian I really can't help you with that." Rob said and ended the call.
Adrian stared at the phone in disbelief. Rob had been one of his closest friends. If even he wouldn’t help, what hope was there?
But he refused to give up. He called another friend. Then another. And another.
Each call ended the same way. Excuses. Hesitations. Apologies.
“We’re really busy right now.” “I don’t think my place is big enough.” “My parents said it’s not a good idea.”
It wasn’t just rejection, it was isolation. Every door was slammed shut in his face, not physically, but also emotionally. People he had once partied with, shared secrets with, and even helped financially were now treating him like a public reject and a disgrace.
By the time he reached the last name on his list, Adrian was standing on the corner of a quiet street, the night darker and colder than ever. He didn’t even bother calling. He already knew what the answer would be.
He shoved the phone back into his pocket, his fingers trembling from the cold and the weight of his new reality. He wasn’t just broke he was also lonely at the most desperate time.
Adrian sat down on a bench under a flickering streetlamp, burying his face in his hands. He had never felt this helpless before. For all his faults, he had always believed that his charm and connections could get him through anything. But now, charm meant nothing, and connections evaporated the moment his wealth disappeared.
“Guess I really was just a wallet to them,” he muttered bitterly.
A few passersby glanced at him curiously but quickly averted their eyes. He looked out of place here, his designer coat and polished shoes a stark contrast to the rough streets of the neighborhood he’d wandered into, he was surely from a different world.
His stomach growled loudly, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten since breakfast. The thought of food made his heart sink further he couldn’t afford even the cheapest meal.
Adrian leaned back against the bench, staring up at the cloudy sky. His mind drifted to Benson, his half-brother. Had he orchestrated this? The thought gnawed at him. Benson had always been calculated, always looking for ways to outshine Adrian in their father’s eyes. And what better way to eliminate the competition than to set him up for a scandal he couldn’t escape?
Adrian’s fists clenched. If Benson thought he had won, he was wrong. Adrian would find a way to clear his name and take back what was his. But first, he needed to survive the night.
He stood up, his legs stiff from the cold. He had no idea where he was going, but he couldn’t stay here. The streets felt unsafe, and the thought of sleeping on a bench made his skin crawl.
As he walked, he passed by a brightly lit diner. The smell of greasy food wafted through the air, making his stomach twist with hunger. He hesitated outside, staring through the window at the warm, bustling scene inside.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the crumpled money he had left. Barely enough for a coffee.
With a resigned sigh, Adrian pushed open the door and stepped inside. The warmth hit him immediately, a small comfort in the midst of his despair. He slid into a booth near the back, hoping to go unnoticed.
A waitress approached, her expression tired but kind. “What can I get you?”
“Just a coffee,” Adrian said, handing over the last of his cash.
The waitress nodded and walked away, leaving Adrian alone with his thoughts. As he sipped the bitter liquid, he wondered how he had fallen so far so fast.
Adrian's eyes shone with joy when he finally remembered on person he knew he would rely on at any time, he decided to call his girlfriend Anita.
After a few sips of the coffee, Adrian leaned against the cold brick wall, his phone trembling in his hand. His chest felt heavy as he stared at Anita’s name on the screen. For three years, she had been his anchor, the only person he believed truly understood him. In this moment of despair, she was his last hope, the only person he thought might stand by him at the moment.Taking a deep breath, Adrian pressed the call button. The phone rang once. Twice. Then, her familiar voice answered.“Adrian?” she said, her tone clipped, almost impatient.“Anita,” Adrian began, relief flooding through him at the sound of her voice. “Thank God you picked up. I don’t know what to do. I need you.”There was a pause on the other end, long enough to make Adrian uneasy.“I heard about what happened,” she finally said, her voice devoid of the warmth and the emotions he was used to.“It’s all a setup,” Adrian explained quickly, his words tumbling out. “I was framed by Benson.“Adrian,” Anita interrupted,
Adrian's heart sank as a whirlwind of memories flooded his mind, each one sharpening the edges of a painful realization. The moments he had dismissed as unfortunate coincidences or his own bad luck began to align with unsettling clarity. Every downfall, every scandal, and every carefully orchestrated situation where he was left defenseless now seemed connected by one glaring thread, that was Anita.He remembered the night he was caught in the hotel room with Mr. Jake’s wife, the scandal that had shattered his relationship with his father and tarnished his name beyond repair. Anita had insisted on leaving that evening for a “girls’ night out,” her sudden departure seeming harmless at the time. She had even consoled him afterward, swearing she believed his innocence. Now, in hindsight, her absence during every critical moment felt calculated, like pieces of a sinister puzzle falling into place.The dinner with his father, Mr. Williams, where an important associate stormed out after a mi
Contrary to her expectation, Adrian did not call Grace and she understood, his pride was wounded when she got off work, she walked through the park nearby, it wasn't far from where Adrian had spent the night and she was sure he would not have gone far since he had no means to cater for anything at the moment. Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Adrian was seated on the green grass at a corner in the park. “Would you care to walk me home?” Grace asked.Adrian blinked, caught off guard by her request. “Me?” he asked, pointing at himself as if she might have meant someone else.“Yes, you,” Grace said with a small smile. “Unless you’ve got somewhere more important to be.”He hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Sure,” he said, getting up. “I guess I could use the fresh air.”Grace grabbed her coat, and together, they stepped out into the crisp evening. The streetlights cast a soft glow over the quiet road, and the noise of the city seemed distant and muted.They walked side by s
Her grandmother’s hand squeezed hers gently, cutting her off. “You two look good together,” she murmured before closing her eyes briefly to rest.Adrian stood awkwardly at the foot of the bed, unsure of what to say. Grace turned to him, her face flushed. “She’s mistaken,” she said quickly.“It’s okay,” Adrian said, holding up a hand. “This isn’t the time to worry about misunderstandings.”The doctor entered the room, his expression grim. “Miss Grace, we’ve stabilized her for now, but her condition is critical. She’ll need an extended treatment plan, and unfortunately, the costs”He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable delivering the news.“How much?” Grace asked her voice firm despite the fear in her eyes.The doctor handed her a sheet of paper with the breakdown of the expenses. Grace’s eyes widened as she read it. The amount was astronomical far beyond what her overtime shifts at the café could cover.She sank into the chair beside her grandmother’s bed, her hands trembling. “I don’t kn
Adrian was silent for a while, the first person he thought of consulting was Grace, he had learned to rely on her more lately. It was as if he was also falling in love with her but he was trying to shove the feelings away."Okay", he said, thanked Mr Richard and went back home.That night, back at Grace’s apartment, Adrian sat down with her and shared the news."So, what’s the catch?" Grace asked, sensing his hesitation."I’ll be working for his son, doing all the work," Adrian explained. "But the credit will go to him. I won’t get recognition for it, and I’ll have to stay out of the spotlight. But the pay is good, and it’s a chance to rebuild."Grace was silent for a moment before speaking carefully. “That sounds hard, but it’s better than nothing, right?”Adrian nodded, his face etched with conflict. “Yeah. I don’t have many options. And this could be my chance to prove myself again.”Grace placed a hand on his. "I believe in you. You can do this. Even in the shadows, you’ll find yo
Benson froze, his confident demeanor faltering as his eyes locked onto Adrian, who sat with an air of calm authority. Adrian was no longer the man Benson had dismissed and humiliated. He was poised, self-assured, and commanding in his tailored suit. The years had transformed him into a figure Benson hardly recognized."Adrian," Benson finally managed, his voice barely above a whisper, a mix of disbelief and dread evident in his tone.Adrian leaned back in his chair, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Hello, Benson," he said smoothly, his voice steady and unyielding. "I see you’ve found your way here. Please, take a seat."Benson hesitated but eventually complied, his mind racing. How could this be? How had Adrian, the brother he and his family had cast aside, risen to such a position of power? And more importantly, why hadn’t anyone warned him?As Benson sat, Adrian’s piercing gaze never left him. "I imagine this isn’t what you expected," Adrian continued, his tone neutral y
1,993 / 3,000Chapter 8Adrian sat in his sleek office overlooking the city skyline, his thoughts racing as he processed the latest piece of information his private investigator had uncovered. It was no surprise that Benson, his half-brother, was working against him. Adrian had expected as much. Benson’s ego would never allow him to acknowledge Adrian’s success, let alone admit to their father, Richard, that the estranged son he had cast aside was now a rising titan in the tech industry.What Adrian hadn’t anticipated was Richard’s sudden interest in Giga Tech. According to the report, his father had quietly launched an investigation into the company’s origins and leadership. Adrian leaned back in his chair, a grim smile tugging at his lips. So, the old man is curious, is he?He couldn’t afford to let his guard down. Richard’s influence in the industry was unparalleled, and if he discovered Adrian’s identity, it would trigger a storm unlike any other. Adrian’s past would become ammuni
Adrian knew that his rise to the pinnacle of the tech industry required more than innovation and ambition. His reputation was his most valuable asset, and it had been tainted by the lies Benson had spread years ago. If he wanted to solidify his position and expand Giga Tech’s influence globally, he needed to address the skeletons in his closet, starting with clearing his name.Adrian decided to begin his quest at the places where his past was most entangled: the bar and the hotel he had frequented during his younger, more turbulent years. These places held memories, some bitter, others crucial to uncovering the truth. He suspected that Benson had manipulated people from these venues to fabricate evidence against him or cover up his own misdeeds.Adrian visited the bar late one evening, blending into the dimly lit atmosphere. He recognized a few familiar faces, including a bartender named Leo who had worked there for years. Leo was one of the few people Adrian trusted during his troubl
Margaret paced back and forth in her lavish bedroom, her hands clenched into fists. She hadn’t expected Benson to react so strongly, he had always trusted her, always done as she said. But now, he was slipping away, and she couldn’t afford that. Not when she was so close to securing everything.She took a deep breath and sat on the edge of her bed, her mind racing. She needed to regain control. If Benson turned against her, she’d lose everything she had fought for. And Derrick? That fool was getting greedier by the day.Margaret grabbed her phone and dialed Derrick’s number. He picked up almost immediately, his voice laced with irritation.“What do you want, Margaret?”She smiled coldly. “To make you an offer.”There was a pause before Derrick let out a low chuckle. “An offer? You must be desperate.”Margaret’s smile didn’t falter. “Listen, Derrick. You and I both know we need each other. If you keep your mouth shut about Benson’s true parentage, I’ll make sure you get a fair share of
Benson’s blood boiled as Derrick turned to leave, the smirk still playing on his lips. His entire life had been a lie, and now the man who was supposed to be his father was treating him like a mere business transaction. The anger he had been holding in finally exploded.“You think you can just walk away after dropping that bombshell?” Benson snarled, stepping toward Derrick. “You let me grow up thinking I was William’s son, and now you want to blackmail us for money? You abandoned me! You never once tried to be my father!”Derrick scoffed, turning back to face him. “Oh, spare me the theatrics, Benson. You had a better life under William than you ever would have had with me. I did you a favor.”Benson’s fists clenched. “A favor? You let me live a lie! Do you have any idea what it’s like to think you belong somewhere, only to find out you were never meant to be there in the first place?”Derrick rolled his eyes. “You’re acting like a child. Grow up, Benson. Life isn’t fair.”That was th
Margaret and Benson had barely spent a day mourning before their greed took over. With Mr. Williams gone, they wasted no time in discussing how to divide his vast empire.Sitting in the grand living room of the Williams estate, Margaret leaned back in her chair with a triumphant smirk. “Now that he’s gone, it’s time to claim what’s rightfully ours,” she said, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. “Benson, my dear, we will split the business equally. We have worked too hard to let Adrian take everything.”Benson nodded eagerly, his eyes gleaming with ambition. “Finally, we don’t have to sneak around anymore. Everything will be under our control. Adrian can fight all he wants, but we have already won.”Their conversation was interrupted by an unexpected visitor, Mr. Williams’ lawyer. The moment he stepped in, the air grew tense. He had rushed over as soon as he heard about Williams’ death, but not to pay respects. He had his own selfish motives.“Margaret,” he greeted, his to
Adrian’s phone buzzed incessantly as he stood outside his father’s ICU room, his heart torn between his concern for his father and the urgent call from his company. He answered reluctantly, his voice clipped.“What is it?” he snapped.The voice on the other end sounded frantic. “Sir, there’s been a breach in our security system. Sensitive files have been accessed, and we suspect it’s sabotage.”Adrian’s jaw tightened. This was the worst possible time for such chaos, but he couldn’t ignore the call. His father had taught him to be a vigilant leader, and he wouldn’t let the company suffer because of his personal struggles.“I’ll be there shortly,” he said, ending the call. With a quick glance at the ICU door, he muttered, “Hang in there, Dad. I’ll fix this and be back soon.”Margaret and Benson, who had been hovering nearby, watched him leave with a mixture of relief and wariness.“Finally, he’s gone,” Margaret hissed under her breath, turning to Benson. “But what if he finds a way to b
Margaret’s fingers tightened around her glass as she listened to the lawyer’s words. She’d always known him to be smooth, calculating, but this—this was a different side of him, one she hadn’t expected.“You’re asking about the shares now?” The lawyer’s voice was low and insistent, laced with a touch of greed that made Margaret’s skin crawl. “What’s in it for me? If the old man doesn’t wake up—what happens to the property? The business?”Margaret’s face hardened, and her lips curled into a thin, controlled smile. “You’ll get what you were promised. But that’s after we’re done with Adrian. I’m the one who will inherit everything. Not you.”The lawyer leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing in response to her cold tone. “We both know you can’t handle it on your own. You need someone with influence and power. The kind of power that comes with—”“Enough,” Margaret snapped, her voice rising slightly. She slammed her glass onto the table, and the lawyer faltered for a moment. “This was
Benson paced the room anxiously, his mind racing. Margaret sat in her plush armchair, her face painted with a mix of frustration and dread. The walls of her luxurious bedroom felt more like a prison as they contemplated their next move.“We have no choice, Margaret,” Benson said, his voice low but insistent. “If we wait for him to make Adrian the heir officially, we’re done. Everything he’s built, everything we’ve worked for, will be his. And you and I—what will we have left?”Margaret leaned back, her fingers pressed against her temple. “You think I don’t know that?” she snapped. “But killing him? That’s a step too far. People will ask questions. Adrian will ask questions.”Benson smirked bitterly. “Questions won’t matter if there’s no clear heir. Without a finalized will, the entire estate will be in legal limbo. That gives us time to take control—either by manipulating the board or ensuring Adrian can’t fight back.”Margaret’s silence spoke volumes. Benson crouched down beside her,
Mr. Williams sat in the grand library of the family mansion, surrounded by walls lined with centuries-old books. The soft glow of the evening sun poured in through the large windows, casting a golden hue over the room. He held a cigar in one hand, his other hand resting on a folder filled with reports about Adrian’s recent achievements. His lips curled into a satisfied smile as he thought about his son.For years, Mr. Williams had doubted if any of his children could truly handle the weight of the family legacy. He had worked tirelessly to build the Williams empire, turning it into one of the most powerful conglomerates in the country. But he had always worried that the next generation might squander what he had built.Margaret and Benson, though ambitious, had shown their true colors. Their endless scheming and underhanded tactics made it clear they cared more about personal gain than the family’s future. But Adrian... Adrian was different. Despite all the challenges and betrayals he
Margaret, Adrian’s stepmother, had always played the role of the gracious and doting matriarch in public. Behind closed doors, however, she was calculating and ruthless, a woman who had spent years resenting Adrian for being the rightful heir to the family fortune. Her own son, Benson, had always been her pride, and she believed it was his birthright to inherit the wealth and power Adrian now held.Sitting in her private lounge, Margaret gazed out the window with a glass of bourbon in hand. Benson sat across from her, flipping through a folder of financial documents and scowling.“Mother,” Benson said, slamming the folder shut, “this isn’t working fast enough. Adrian is resilient, and as long as he still has his company, he’ll always bounce back.”Margaret turned to him, her expression sharp. “Then we’ll have to hit him where it hurts most. If we can’t outmaneuver him, we’ll destroy him.”Benson frowned. “How? We’ve tried isolating him from allies, planting rumors, and even sabotaging
The following days were filled with an unsettling silence between Grace and Adrian. He had given her space as she requested, but that didn’t mean he had given up. Grace could feel his lingering presence in the house, the way his eyes followed her when they crossed paths, full of emotions he refused to voice. It made her chest tighten, but she couldn’t bring herself to talk to him just yet. She wasn’t ready.Meanwhile, Max remained close, offering quiet support without pushing her. He had always been good at that—knowing when to speak and when to simply be there. She met him a few times for coffee, their conversations light but comforting. Max never pressured her, never told her what to do, but Grace could see the hope in his eyes. He wanted her to see him—not just as a friend, but as the man who had always loved her.But Grace wasn’t sure she was ready to accept that.One evening, as she sat on the balcony, staring out at the city lights, Adrian stepped outside and joined her. He didn