The Day Adrian Lost Control
Chapter 11 - The Day Adrian Lost Control
The forensic accountant's report was devastating.
Adrian had not stolen money directly from the twins' trust.
He had tried.
Twice.
Both requests had been rejected by Richard.
After Richard's death, Adrian assumed the restrictions would loosen.
They had actually become stronger.
That was why he needed custody.
Not because the trust would hand him eight million dollars.
Because with primary custody, he believed he could shift hundreds of thousands of dollars in legitimate household expenses away from himself.
Mortgage.
Tuition.
Travel.
Medical costs.
He planned to survive on his sons' future while rebuilding his business.
When the report was presented, Adrian snapped.
"This is ridiculous!"
His attorney touched his arm.
Adrian pulled away.
"I pay for everything! I've paid for those boys since the day they were born!"
Claire felt Owen stiffen beside her.
The judge noticed too.
"Mr. Bennett, lower your voice."
Adrian pointed toward Claire.
"She gets to walk away with the kids and the money?"
Claire stood before Susan could stop her.
"There is no money for me."
The judge told her to sit.
But the damage was done.
Everyone had heard the truth inside Adrian's anger.
The kids and the money.
In the same sentence.
Adrian realized it too late.
His shoulders dropped.
The judge ordered a temporary change.
Adrian's visitation would continue, but supervised until the family evaluation was complete.
Evelyn was prohibited from discussing the litigation with the boys.
Outside court, Adrian followed Claire.
"I didn't mean it like that."
She turned.
"Then tell me how you meant it."
He opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
Claire looked at the man she had once trusted with every part of her life.
"I kept waiting for you to prove the envelope wrong."
Adrian's eyes filled.
May you like
"You proved it right."
Then she walked away.
