Chapter 1 - The Eviction Notice
"Thirty minutes, Mrs. Vance," Daniel’s voice came through the receiver, crisp and devoid of hesitation. "I'll be there with security, the local sheriff's escort, and the deed of ownership. Do you want me to bring the asset forfeiture paperwork as well?"
"Yes, Daniel," I said, my voice as cold as the marble beneath my sensible flats. "Bring everything. Especially the termination of the lease agreement Graham signed under his shell company."
I hung up. I looked down at Hazel and Ruby. Ruby’s eyelashes were still wet, but she wasn't crying anymore. She was watching me, her small hand squeezing mine with a trust I had spent their entire lives trying to earn.
"Go to the playroom upstairs, girls," I said softly, kneeling so I was at eye level with them. "Pack your bags. Just the things you brought from our real house. We are going home."
"Are we in trouble, Mommy?" Hazel asked, her voice cracking.
"No, sweetie," I said, kissing her forehead. "You two are the best things that ever happened to this family. Some people are just too small to see how bright you shine. Now go. Mommy has to clean up a mess."
As the girls ran up the sweeping winding staircase of the mansion—a mansion I had purchased three years ago through an anonymous land trust—I stood in the quiet hallway. Through the massive glass French doors, I watched the party.
May you like
Gloria Ralston was holding court, gesturing with a glass of expensive champagne that I had ultimately paid for through the monthly allowance I quietly deposited into Graham’s business account to keep his pride intact. Graham was laughing, his arm draped over the shoulder of a business associate he was trying to impress. He was pointing at the pool, likely telling the man about his plans to install a custom waterfall.
He didn't have a clue that the bank account he used to pay the deposit on this rental was currently being frozen by my corporate attorneys.
