Chapter 2 - The Uninvited Guests
Spring arrived, bringing vibrant green vines and our first major public wine-tasting event.
The vineyard was packed with wealthy investors, local celebrities, and wine enthusiasts.
Mark and I had spent months preparing for this weekend.
Everything was running flawlessly until I heard a familiar, shrill voice near the tasting room entrance.
My mother and Olivia were standing by the velvet ropes, arguing with my security team.
Olivia was wearing another white dress, this one a sleek designer piece clearly meant to draw attention.
They had brought a photographer with them.
It was obvious they were trying to stage a photoshoot for her engagement using my property as the backdrop.
I took a deep breath, handed my wine glass to Mark, and walked over to the entrance.
“Is there a problem here?” I asked my head of security, David.
David looked annoyed but maintained his professional composure.
“These women are claiming they are co-owners of the estate and do not need tickets,” David replied.
My mother glared at me, her eyes flashing with pure entitlement.
“Tell your hired muscle to let us in, Sarah,” she demanded loudly.
Several guests turned their heads to watch the unfolding drama.
“You are not co-owners, Mom,” I stated clearly, ensuring my voice carried enough for witnesses to hear.
“This property belongs solely to me, and you are trespassing.”
Olivia dramatically placed a hand over her chest, playing the victim for her photographer.
“How can you treat your own flesh and blood this way over a little patch of dirt?” Olivia cried.
“That patch of dirt requires a paid reservation, which you do not have,” I replied coldly.
I turned back to David.
“Escort them off the property immediately, and if they refuse, call the police.”
My mother’s face turned bright red with fury.
“You will regret this, Sarah!” she screamed as David guided them firmly toward the parking lot.
May you like
I simply smiled and walked back to my guests.
The drama only seemed to entertain the investors, and we sold record amounts of wine that day.
