Chapter 3 - THE ULTIMATUM
Adrian spent the next morning behaving as though the supercar already belonged to him.
He had arranged a private test drive.
He had selected custom leather seats.
He had chosen a set of wheels that cost more than most people's annual salary.
By noon, he had already posted photographs online.
He didn't mention that his father had not actually completed the purchase.
He didn't need to.
Adrian had never doubted Richard.
His father always gave in.
That afternoon, Richard entered the living room.
Adrian barely looked up from his phone.
“The dealership needs your confirmation.”
Richard stopped.
“You're already arranging the specifications?”
“Of course.”
Richard sat down.
“Adrian, there's something you need to understand.”
Adrian sighed.
“If this is another lecture about money—”
“It isn't.”
“Good.”
Richard looked at him.
“You're twenty-six.”
Adrian shrugged.
“So?”
“So you need to start paying for your own lifestyle.”
Adrian laughed.
“You're serious?”
“Yes.”
Adrian stood.
“You've been saying that for years.”
“And you've been ignoring me for years.”
The room became quiet.
Adrian's face reddened.
“You know what? Fine.”
He grabbed his jacket.
“I'll leave.”
Richard watched him.
Adrian moved toward the door.
“I'm serious, Dad.”
Richard said nothing.
Adrian turned around.
“If you don't buy that car today, I'm done.”
Richard looked directly into his son's eyes.
Then he said the word Adrian wanted to hear.
“Fine.”
Adrian froze.
“I'll buy it.”
A satisfied smile appeared.
“Thank you.”
He walked away.
But Richard did not smile.
The moment Adrian disappeared upstairs, Richard picked up his phone.
“Daniel.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Proceed.”
“With the revised will?”
“Yes.”
Daniel was silent for a moment.
“Are you certain?”
Richard looked toward the staircase.
“I've never been more certain of anything.”
“What should happen to the inheritance?”
Richard answered quietly.
“Everything goes into the family foundation.”
“And Adrian?”
“No trust.”
“No property?”
“No.”
“No investment accounts?”
“Nothing.”
Daniel swallowed.
“And the car?”
Richard looked at the photograph Adrian had sent him.
“The car gets delivered.”
Daniel seemed confused.
“Why?”
Richard's answer was simple.
“Because I want him to remember the exact moment his life changed.”
He ended the call.
Upstairs, Adrian was already celebrating.
He believed he had won.
May you like
He didn't realize his father had just stopped fighting with him.
Richard wasn't trying to control Adrian anymore.
