Chapter 3 - The Eviction Notice
Arthur Vance’s legal team wasted absolutely zero time.
Within forty-five minutes of Clara’s call, the secure elevator chime echoed through the penthouse foyer.
The heavy double doors slid open to reveal two towering, grim-faced security guards accompanied by a junior partner from Vance & Associates carrying a heavy leather briefcase.
Julian spun around as the men marched into the private residence, his authority evaporating in an instant.
"What is the meaning of this?" Julian demanded, stepping in front of the private attorney.
"This is private property! You cannot just walk in here!"
The attorney, a sharp-eyed man named Miller, didn't even blink as he adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses.
"Actually, Mr. Sterling, the lease on this penthouse, the furniture, the art on the walls, and the vehicle parked in stall forty-two are all 100% owned by the Vance Family Holdings LLC," Miller stated smoothly.
"Miss Vance has formally terminated your residential occupancy rights."
Chloe’s eyes widened in sheer horror as she clutched her handbag.
"Are you telling us we're being kicked out?" she demanded, looking frantically between Clara and the guards.
"Right now? In the middle of the night?"
"You have twenty minutes to gather your personal belongings," Clara said, walking over to the minibar to pour herself a glass of sparkling water.
"Anything left behind after those twenty minutes will be boxed up and sent to a public storage locker in your name, Chloe."
Julian stepped toward Clara, his eyes flashing with a dangerous, cornered desperation that he had previously kept hidden behind his charming facade.
"You are making a massive mistake, Clara," Julian threatened, his voice dropping into a low, venomous growl.
"You think you can ruin me and walk away? I know things. I know details about your family's corporate holdings that could destroy your precious reputation."
Clara took a slow sip of her water, turned around, and met his furious gaze without an ounce of fear.
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"Go ahead and try, Julian," she challenged softly.
"Every single contract you signed contained a strict non-disclosure and morality clause tied to your funding. The second you speak to a reporter, my lawyers will sue you into bankruptcy so fast you won't even have a lawyer left to call."
