Chapter 3 - Everything They Built Began to CollapseAt the hospital, doctors documented second-degree burns across my scalp, neck, and shoulder.
Three sheriff's deputies entered first.
Behind them walked two court-appointed receivers in dark suits carrying sealed folders.
The lead deputy removed his hat.
"Good evening."
"I'm looking for Mr. Grant Mercer."
Grant forced a laugh.
"There must be some mistake."
"There isn't."
The deputy handed him a packet.
"You've been served."
Grant skimmed the first page.
His face turned white.
"This... this isn't possible."
"It is," one of the receivers replied calmly.
"The emergency injunction has frozen all company assets pending investigation into financial fraud."
Evelyn shot to her feet.
"You have no right to walk into my house!"
The receiver looked at her politely.
"Actually, ma'am..."
He opened another folder.
"As of 6:00 p.m. today, this property legally belongs to Ms. Amelia Mercer."
The room fell silent.
Grant looked at me.
"You planned this."
I met his eyes.
"No."
"I prepared for it."
The deputy noticed the soup dripping from my hair onto the hardwood floor.
He frowned.
"Ma'am..."
"Are you injured?"
Before I could answer, Grant interrupted.
"She's fine."
"I asked your wife."
I looked at the deputy.
"My husband poured boiling soup over my head."
Every eye turned toward Grant.
His sister quietly set down her fork.
Even his brother stopped pretending to eat.
The deputy spoke into his radio.
"Request medical assistance."
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"And add a domestic assault report."
Grant's confidence disappeared.
