Chapter 7 - THE EMPTY ACCOUNT
The next morning, Adrian went directly to Sterling Holdings.
He demanded to see the chief financial officer.
The receptionist hesitated.
“Mr. Sterling, your father is in a board meeting.”
“I didn't ask for my father.”
He leaned forward.
“I asked for the CFO.”
Ten minutes later, he was sitting across from Martin Hale, the company's chief financial officer.
Adrian placed his phone on the desk.
“Explain this.”
Martin looked at the screen.
“I can't discuss private family accounts.”
“It's my money.”
Martin looked uncomfortable.
“Technically, it isn't.”
Adrian's eyes narrowed.
“What did you say?”
“Your father controls the trust.”
“I am the beneficiary.”
“Were.”
The word hung in the room.
Adrian stood.
“Were?”
Martin looked down.
“I shouldn't have said that.”
Adrian felt his heart pounding.
“What changed?”
Martin didn't answer.
Adrian leaned forward.
“Did my father remove me?”
Martin remained silent.
That silence was enough.
Adrian left the office.
He immediately called Daniel Mercer.
The family lawyer answered.
“Mr. Mercer, what did my father do?”
“I can't discuss your father's estate.”
“I'm his son.”
“I know.”
“Then tell me.”
Daniel sighed.
“Your father has made certain changes.”
“What changes?”
“I suggest you speak with him directly.”
Adrian hung up.
He returned home.
Richard was in the study.
Adrian walked inside.
“You removed me.”
Richard didn't look surprised.
“Yes.”
“From the trust?”
“Yes.”
“The company?”
Richard nodded.
Adrian's face turned red.
“You can't do that.”
“I own the company.”
“I am your son.”
“And?”
The question stunned him.
Adrian stared.
Richard finally looked up.
“Being my son doesn't make you entitled to what I built.”
Adrian's anger became desperation.
“So what am I supposed to do?”
Richard answered:
“Build something.”
Adrian laughed bitterly.
“You know I can't live like this.”
Richard's expression softened for one moment.
“That's exactly why you need to.”
Adrian left.
But he didn't know the full truth.
Richard had not removed Adrian simply because of the car.
May you like
The car was only the final event.
There was another reason.
