REDEEMING THE OUTCAST SON OF A BILLIONAIRE

was heavy with tension as Adrian Hart sat on a velvet chair, facing his father, Wil

atedly, and this is the last time I am letting

his messy dark hair. He tried to look confident, but

omeone might have framed me o

I know what you can and cannot do. Considering the recent series of events, th

that you don't trust me,

are no longer a member of the Williams family. You'll have no acces

off?" Adrian asked,

said, "Do you have any

ined his composure. "I told you,

f Mr. Jakes, my biggest associate. Adrian, do you have no shame at all? Do you think he'll just forgive that? He's alread

is father's piercing gaze. "I didn't do anything with her," he said,

e. Dad believe me this once I know I am

else for your mistakes. The drinking, the gambling, the fights

innocent. He remembered going to the bar at the party and having a few drinks. The next

e door had

a compromising position. Lydia had been groggy and confused, and Adrian couldn't

said through gritted teet

ng for you, Adrian. Years protecting you from the consequences of your reckless behavior. But this? This is unforgivable. You'

ou've humiliated him, me, and this family. You'v

oak door creaked open, and Benson, Adrian's older half-brother, stepped inside. His f

Benson asked, his voic

or him to enter. "

y're demanding action. They're afraid this scandal will destroy shareholder c

anor that always unsettled him. The man was calculated, always knowin

?" William asked, his to

ains me to say this, but the board wants Adrian removed fro

r. "Are you kidding me? You'

. "This is what you wanted, isn't it?" Adrian accused, turning to Benson. "You've always wanted

Don't blame me for your mistakes, Adrian. I've worked hard to

rol. "This wasn't my fault," he said, looking back at his father.

ning. "I'm done, Adrian. I've given you chance after chance, and you've let me down every time. From this moment on

like a punch to the gut. "You

old. "Get out of my house. Don't come back until yo

t he knew it would be useless. His father had made up his mind, and

t. His footsteps echoed through the grand halls o

p, and deep down, he suspected Benson. His brother had always been calculating, al

d as he tried to process the whirlwind of events that had led to this moment. Hours ago, he had been Adrian

lone a place to stay. His father had moved quickly that his bank cards

olling through his contacts. Surely, someone would help him.

irst number tha

ian," he said when

b's voice came through, hesitant. "hey, man.

eed a place to crash for a few days. Just u

d idea, man. My parents have been watching the n

op. "Rob, come on. We've b

ny has contracts with your family's firm. If they find out I'm helping you, it could hur

ob had been one of his closest friends. If

He called another friend.

same way. Excuses. H

n't think my place is big enough." "

t physically, but also emotionally. People he had once partied with, shared secrets wit

n the corner of a quiet street, the night darker and colder than ever.

ing from the cold and the weight of his new reality. He wasn

his helpless before. For all his faults, he had always believed that his charm and connections could get him

ust a wallet to them,

ut of place here, his designer coat and polished shoes a stark contrast to the rough

eaten since breakfast. The thought of food made his hea

chestrated this? The thought gnawed at him. Benson had always been calculated, always looking for ways to outshine Adrian i

s wrong. Adrian would find a way to clear his name and take

he was going, but he couldn't stay here. The streets felt unsa

wafted through the air, making his stomach twist with hunger. He hesitat

ed out the crumpled money he had

. The warmth hit him immediately, a small comfort in the midst of hi

r expression tired but ki

an said, handing over

alone with his thoughts. As he sipped the bitter l

embered on person he knew he would rely on at an