Page 54 of Damaged Enemy Next Door

"And I promise, I won't take you to court to fight for Emily's custody."

Adrian doesn't respond.

"Come on, Darling," she says, laying a finger on his chest. He moves back. "You know paying me child support would be far more expensive than just this million. I'm doing you a favor."

"You're sick, Veronica," says Adrian. "Using your own child like that for money."

"Hey, what can I say?" she says. "Emily has a rich father."

My dad looks at me in disbelief. I just nod quietly in confirmation of what is happening on screen. He shakes his head slightly, and I know he gets it – this is what Adrian has had to have been married to.

"Veronica, how do I know you'd leave me alone after? How do I know you won't return for more money?" asks Adrian.

"Oh darling, a simple girl like me? Why a million is more than enough."

"So you did this all for money? Ruin my relationship with Olivia and reputation with Olivia's father for money?"

"Yes, Darling," Veronica replies nonchalantly. "You were too good to pass up. But don't get too worked up over it, I'll leave you and your little girlfriend alone now. Just make the check out to me, and I'll be out of your hair forever. Look. I just needed that David fellow to vouch for how horrible you were to his daughter when we went to court. I needed someone to be my character witness. They were just pawns."

“How did you even find out about Olivia?” he asks through gritted teeth.

“Oh honey, I know everything about you. I’ve always known everything about you. All it takes is a few phone calls with our precious daughter. She just loves talking about her father.”

I feel sick to my stomach when I hear her talking about Emily this way like she’s just a piece in her jigsaw puzzle. My dad looks at me in shock and disgust. "Olivia, I had no idea," he says, shaking his head. "I'm sorry for ever doubting you."

"It's okay, Dad," I say, feeling a sense of relief wash over me, mingled with sadness for the kind of mother Emily has. "I'm just glad you understand now."

We sit in silence for a few moments, processing everything that has just happened. I glance over at the clock and realize that it's getting late. The conversation continues.

"So what do you say, Adrian? Will you give me the check I requested?"

Adrian stands up. He looks directly at Veronica and speaks with a voice of steel and command. "No. Now get out."

Veronica is taken aback for a moment.

"I have this all on video," says Adrian - pointing at the camera.

She quickly gathers her purse and coat before she leaves. "This won't be the last of it," she says, before storming off.

"Don't worry, Ill be waiting," he yells back.

My dad slowly rises from his chair as he watches Adrian take slow strides towards our house, where I meet him at the entrance of our kitchen. He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close to him. We look into each other's eyes as we realize that this was all really happening – that we have been through an immense battle together, but now it's finally over. Our future suddenly looks brighter than ever before. As we turn to look at my dad, I can almost hear the sound of sirens in the near distance – a sign that justice will be served for all those who have been hurt by Veronica's schemes.

"David," says Adrian. "Please, read this." He hands my dad the envelope stating the newly restructured deal for the land. "And can we have a word in private? Man-to-man. I think today, I can't let you go until you realize just how much your daughter means to me."

"Son," says my dad. "Before we do that, I think I owe you a huge apology."

CHAPTER 28

ADRIAN

SinceVeronicawasputon probation two months ago, life feels like it's perfect again. As I watch Olivia struggle to reach the top shelf to get to the coffee pods for the coffee machine, I reach over and pick her up, giving her support.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," she laughs.

"Fortunately for you, you're never going to have to find out," I say.

"You're saying you'll always be around, Adrian Carter?" she asks seriously.

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