Chapter Twelve: Adrian’s Final Betrayal
Adrian accepted a plea agreement before Isabella’s trial ended.
He admitted to unauthorized computer access, conspiracy to manipulate company leadership, and supplying private information.
But he refused to testify against Isabella.
Marcus visited him in the detention center.
They sat across from each other separated by thick glass.
Adrian looked older.
Not weaker.
Just emptier.
“You won,” Adrian said through the phone.
“There was nothing to win.”
“You kept the company.”
“I resigned.”
“You kept Khloe.”
Marcus paused.
“That is her choice, not my possession.”
Adrian laughed bitterly.
“You speak differently now.”
“I see differently now.”
Adrian leaned closer to the glass.
“Do you know why I chose Isabella?”
“Because she was useful.”
“Because she understood hunger.”
Marcus said nothing.
“She hated Khloe because Khloe had what she wanted. I hated you for the same reason.”
“You had wealth, education, and every opportunity.”
“But not the one thing that mattered.”
“Control.”
“Our father looked at you and saw his future. He looked at me and saw insurance.”
Marcus remembered childhood boardroom visits, private lessons, and constant competition. Their father had rarely praised either son without using the other as a weapon.
“I should have seen what was happening to you,” Marcus said.
Adrian’s expression hardened.
“Do not pity me.”
“I don’t.”
“Then why are you here?”
“To tell you that I will cover your legal defense through sentencing.”
Adrian stared at him.
“After everything?”
“You are my brother.”
“You told me blood meant nothing.”
“I was angry.”
“You were right.”
Marcus held the phone tighter.
“Blood does not erase responsibility. But responsibility does not require hatred.”
For several seconds, Adrian said nothing.
Then his eyes shifted away.
“Is the baby healthy?”
“Yes.”
“What did you name her?”
“Grace.”
Adrian nodded once.
It was the closest thing to remorse Marcus had seen.
As Marcus stood to leave, Adrian spoke again.
“Isabella kept another file.”
Marcus turned.
“What file?”
“Insurance against Vittorio. Evidence of his financial crimes. She said if her father ever abandoned her, she would destroy him.”
“Where is it?”
Adrian gave a tired smile.
“In the one place nobody thought to search.”
May you like
He lifted his hand toward the glass.
“Inside the red heel.”
