Chapter 4 - The Eviction Notice
When I walked back downstairs, Ethan wrapped safely in a clean, thick towel in my arms, the front door was already open. Arthur Pendelton, my family's senior attorney, stood in the foyer. Behind him were two men in dark suits carrying legal clipboards, and three uniform private security guards from the firm my father had retained for thirty years.
Richard was red-faced, trying to block the doorway. "Arthur, what the hell is this? You can't bring security into my house at midnight!"
"Mr. Whitman," Arthur said, his voice the dry, unyielding tone of a man who spent his life winning in probate court. "I am here to serve you with an immediate ex-parte temporary restraining order and an emergency eviction mandate. The property located at 14 Jacaranda Lane is held entirely within the Vega Family Trust. Under the terms of the third amendment, any domestic partner engaging in documented child endangerment or bringing unauthorized third parties into the residence is subject to immediate removal."
"Child endangerment?" Vivian shrieked, rising from the sofa, the baby beginning to cry in her arms. "That boy was just being disciplined! We are the Whitmans! You can't throw us out into the street!"
"The security footage from the last forty-eight hours has already been reviewed by Judge Alvarez, Mrs. Whitman," Arthur replied, not even looking at her. "He signed the order twenty minutes ago. You have fifteen minutes to gather your personal effects. Anything left behind will be impounded under a corporate lien."
Brooke looked at Richard, her eyes wide with sudden panic. "Richard? Do something! You said you owned the logistics firm! You said she was just a figurehead!"
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Richard lunged toward me, his hand reaching out to grab my arm. "Amanda, you vindictive bitch! You think you can ruin me over a couple of arguments?"
Before his hand could touch my sleeve, the two security guards stepped between us, their physical presence forcing Richard back against the wall.
