Daddy’s billionaire step-brother
Chapter 56: 23 million dollars

Adrian discreetly placed Clara on a private jet, ensuring her safety and comfort as she flew away from the chaos of the Caldwell engagement. His estate in Lake Como awaited her a serene escape from the turmoil she had just left at the Amalfi Coast. Meanwhile, Adrian stayed behind to confront the Caldwells. He was determined to call off the engagement.

Richard attempted to stop him, anger flashing in his eyes, making empty and desperate threats he couldn't fulfill, but Adrian brushed past him, undeterred. He had scheduled a meeting with Mr. Caldwell and their lawyers to dissolve the engagement, and nothing would stop him.

Adrian sat across from Mr. Caldwell, flanked by their lawyers. Richard Miller stood stiffly to the side, his face a mask of anger and frustration.

"Why are you here to dissolve a contract you didn't sign?" Mr. Caldwell asked, his voice smooth but edged with condescension.

Adrian leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Caldwell's. "Things have changed. I'm here to negotiate on Clara's behalf."

The lawyer beside Mr. Caldwell snorted, unimpressed. "Are you aware that there is a ten million dollar fine for the dissolution of the engagement, Mr. Belfort? Miss Miller signed a contract."

"I'll pay it," Adrian replied, his tone unwavering.

The lawyer continued, "There's also another ten million dollar fine if Miss Miller engages in any behavior that could harm the Caldwell family, physically, materially, or morally."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Morally? What do you mean by that?"

Mr. Caldwell's expression hardened. "It seems suspicious that Clara's uncle suddenly showed up to end her engagement to my son. There are whispers about your closeness-you both seem way too close. How could I allow my son to marry a girl with an illicit relationship to her uncle? Even if you both are not blood related... It is still very controversial."

Fury surged within Adrian. "You should be more concerned about what your son and daughter do behind closed doors, Caldwell," he shot back, voice steady but filled with rage.

Caldwell's gaze darkened, and he leaned back, clearly not pleased. "Are you sure you want to pick this fight with me, Belfort?"

Adrian squared his shoulders, his resolve unshakeable. "I'll pay the twenty million dollars... But I have one condition: you will never bother Clara again."

Mr. Caldwell regarded him with a mixture of surprise and grudging respect. "Very well."

But just as Adrian thought the conversation might conclude, the lawyer interjected again. "There's also a three million dollar fee for the costs of the parties and events related to the wedding."

Adrian sighed, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a checkbook, scribbling quickly before tearing the check free and sliding it across the table. "Here."

Caldwell took the check and glanced down at the figure. His eyes widened slightly at the sum: twenty-three million dollars. "You must really care about your niece, Belfort... I do understand why." he said, a hint of admiration creeping into his

voice.

After the tense meeting, Adrian found Richard lingering outside the conference room, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger.

"Are you happy spending twenty-three million dollars to ruin my life?" Richard shot at him, his voice low and seething. Adrian met his gaze steadily. "I spent twenty-three million dollars to save Clara's life, the life you fucking ruined."

Richard scoffed, shaking his head. "You ruined her life the moment you decided to seduce her under my own roof and take her virginity."

Adrian stepped closer, his voice firm. "No, Richard, you ruined her life when you blew off your family money, her inheritance, on gambling, and when you tried to fix your mess by using her as a trading asset instead of accepting your own brother's help all this time. Your pride ruined her life."

Richard opened his mouth to respond, but Adrian cut him off. "But you know what? Maybe you're right. Maybe both of us ruined her life in different ways. But the difference is that I'm the only one here taking responsibility for it." Richard stood there, speechless, the weight of Adrian's words hanging in the air between them.

Adrian pulled out his checkbook and signed a blank check, handing it to Richard. "This is for you. Write your price to leave Clara in peace for as long as she wishes to stay away from you."

Richard stared at the check, confusion and anger battling on his face. "You think you can just throw money at this? Clara is my daughter!"

"But money is all you understand," Adrian replied coolly. "You've turned Clara into an asset, right? Fine, I'll repay you. A couple million for taking her virginity, a couple more for getting her pregnant... Just write it. If you want to keep playing this sick game of yours, you can, but not at her expense. Write your price, and I'll pay it. Stay away from her."

With that, Adrian turned on his heel, leaving Richard to contemplate his next move. As he walked away, a sense of determination filled him. He would protect Clara, no matter what it took.