Daddy’s billionaire step-brother
Chapter 11: Sorry, daddy!

After breakfast, Clara put on her dress-Sophie's dress, actually-and sat on the bed of Adrian's guest bedroom, her head still throbbing from the remnants of last night's excesses. She stared at her phone screen, the notifications from concerned friends piling up like a stack of unread letters. Her friends had been frantic, searching for her at the party and bombarding her with messages once they saw the picture circulating on social media-the one where Adrian was carrying her out.

As she scrolled through the messages, a mix of relief and guilt washed over her. She assured her friends she was okay, downplaying the events of the night as best she could. The gossip and speculation were already spreading like wildfire, and Clara couldn't bear to think about it too deeply. She was too hungover to process everything, let alone respond to every question.

Just then, a text from Adrian popped up on her screen: "I'm outside. Ready to head back?"

Clara sighed in relief, grateful for the distraction and the chance to leave the chaotic aftermath of the party behind. She gathered her things and made her way downstairs, where Adrian was waiting by his Bentley, looking effortlessly elegant in the morning light.

"Hey," Clara greeted him softly as she approached the car.

Adrian turned to her with a warm smile. "Hey you," he replied, opening the door for her.

As Clara settled into the plush leather seat, she couldn't help but notice how handsome Adrian looked behind the wheel. His features were chiseled and his demeanor composed. The gentle breeze and the panoramic view passing by had a calming effect on her still-aching head.

They drove in comfortable silence for a while, Clara occasionally stealing glances at Adrian as he focused on the road ahead. She felt a sense of security and calm in his presence, a welcome respite from the turmoil of last night. "Thank you for everything," Clara finally said, breaking the silence as they neared her home.

Adrian glanced at her briefly, his eyes softening with genuine affection. "You don't need to thank me, Clara," he said sincerely. "Call me whenever you need. I'm just glad you're okay."

Clara nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Still," she insisted, "I appreciate it. More than you know."

Adrian nodded in understanding, his gaze returning to the road. "Anytime," he said softly.

As they pulled up to her house, Clara felt a pang of reluctance to part ways with Adrian. She knew the day ahead would bring more questions and gossip, but for now, she was grateful for the quiet moment they shared.

Clara walked into the living room, her steps heavy with exhaustion and anxiety. Her father, standing with arms crossed and a stern expression, greeted her with palpable anger.

"You told me you were spending the night at Sophie's," he began, his voice laced with disappointment.

Clara's heart sank as she faced him. "I'm sorry, dad," she said softly, her eyes downcast. "Things got out of hand."

Her father's frustration was evident. "I woke up to news that my daughter was carried out of Osmond Hartman's house, blacked out drunk," he said, his tone clipped with irritation. Clara swallowed hard, guilt gnawing at her. "I'm really sorry, daddy," she repeated, her voice trembling slightly. "I didn't mean for any of this happen."

Her father sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Do you realize who Osmond Hartman is? He's one of the assholes responsible for our bankruptcy, Clara! And you were out there, partying with his son and getting drunk at his house!"

Clara's eyes welled up with tears at the mention of Marcus Hartman. The memories flooded back vividly-the thrill of her first kiss with him, followed by the painful realization that he had tried to abuse her and left her with the memory of her first kiss also being her first broken heart.

Her father's expression softened briefly, concern flickering in his eyes as he watched his daughter start to cry. "Are you alright? Did you get hurt?" he asked, his voice now tinged with worry.

Clara nodded, her head still pounding from the remnants of last night's revelry and drama. "I'm just hungover," she admitted quietly.

He sighed heavily. "You're grounded, Clara," he stated firmly. "And I mean it this time. Don't you ever do something like this again."

Clara nodded again, her heart heavy with remorse. "I promise I won't," she vowed earnestly, her words filled with sincerity.

Her father sighed once more, his disappointment palpable. "I hope you mean that," he said wearily. "You're better than this, Clara. You know better."

Clara nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle on her shoulders. She knew she had let him down, and herself as well. She resolved silently to make amends and regain his trust.