Chapter 6 I glanced at the document . It was a technology confidentiality and non compete agreement I had signed years ago when I first married into the Winthrop family . Back then , newly a Winthrop son , I was filled with the naive hope of using my skills to revitalize my wifes family business . I hadnt paid much attention to the treacherous clauses hidden within the agreement . I foolishly believed the Winthrops had genuinely accepted me and that Camila and I would spend our lives together . Now , I realized it was all a trap the Winthrops had set ! My silence only fueled Camilas arrogance . She crossed her arms , a triumphant smirk plastered on her face . The contract is crystal clear , she declared . If you engage in any work related to drones or artificial intelligence , you are obligated to pay a hefty penalty ! Twenty million , she emphasized . Not a penny less ! Staring at the shameless clauses , I couldnt help but let out a cold laugh . It wasnt enough that I was kicked out with nothing as a discarded son ; now , they wanted to destroy my livelihood ! Camila , have you no conscience ? I snarled , clenching my fists , wanting to tear this ungrateful woman apart . Just then , Oliver sauntered over , putting on the pretense of an elder offering sage advice . Rylan , you need to show some gratitude , he said , his voice dripping with condescension . The Winthrop family not only made you , a mere outsider , the CEO but also invested heavily to support your research and development . Now you want just to walk away ? Isnt that a bit heartless ? Trying to escape when the project goes south ? Were already being generous to you , considering youre their ex family member . Just pay the penalty for breach of contract . Otherwise , with the Winthrop familys influence in the industry , you can forget about ever making a living in this field again . His words made me laugh in anger . < P Giving me a platform ? If it werent for my patented technology , would the Winthrop familys small , nearly bankrupt company have grown to what it is today ? Without me , they wouldnt even be able to handle drone formations . And now they dare to turn around and bite the hand that fed them , looking down on me with disdain ! I suppressed my fury and instead put on a sinister smile . Fine , I said , my voice calm but with an underlying edge . Camila and Oliver exchanged glances , clearly surprised by how readily I agreed . Thats more like it . Finally seeing reason ! Camila slammed the agreement onto the table , strutting around like a proud peacock . However … I drawled , my gaze shifting between the two of them before settling on Camilas face . I have a condition . Camilas brow furrowed with impatience . What condition ? Spit it out ! Unhurried , I pulled out my phone and brought up a list , presenting it before her eyes . This is the money your family has earned over the years from my patents . A total of four hundred million . I havent received a single cent . Hand it over .