Chapter 4 - The Ambush
The next morning, I walked into the federal courthouse, ready to request an emergency freezing of Greg and Claire’s assets. As I approached the elevator bank, Richard Sterling stepped into my path, a smug, venomous smile on his face.
"Julianne," Sterling purred. "You’re looking stressed."
"Move out of my way, Richard."
"I'm filing a motion to have you disbarred," he said smoothly, handing me a sealed envelope. "Conflict of interest. Abuse of federal power for a personal family matter. By the time I'm done, you won't just lose the case against Greg; you'll lose your badge, your pension, and your reputation."
I snatched the envelope. "You think you can intimidate me? Your client beat an elderly woman."
"My client," Sterling corrected, leaning in close, "was defending himself against a woman suffering from early-onset dementia. We have medical records."
"Those are forged!" I hissed.
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"They're signed by a licensed psychiatrist," Sterling smirked. "It's going to be your word against a doctor's. Tell your mother to sign the deed, Julianne. If she does, Greg drops the assault charges against her. If she doesn't... well, accidents happen. Even in secure high-rises."
I shoved past him, my heart hammering in my chest. They weren't just trying to win in court. They were threatening my mother's life.
