eviction? Are you insane? This mansion belongs to Julian!”
Evelyn didn’t even glance at Victoria. She unclasped the folio, pulled out a certified deed, and read the document aloud in a crisp, echoing voice.
“The residential property located at 104 Sterling Way, along with the surrounding twelve acres, is held in exclusive, unencumbered ownership by the Sterling Family Revocable Trust—solely managed by Clara Sterling. Julian Vance holds no title, equity, or ownership stake whatsoever.”
Julian’s face went completely pale. “What? No… no! That’s impossible! We’ve lived here for six years! I’m her husband!”
“A husband who signed a comprehensive prenuptial agreement waiving all claims to pre-marital trust assets,” Evelyn corrected smoothly, sliding a second document forward. “Furthermore, as of 9:00 AM today, Clara Sterling has revoked your residential access, frozen all secondary corporate accounts funded by Sterling capital, and filed for immediate divorce on grounds of marital fraud.”
Victoria
froze mid-step. She whipped off her sunglasses, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at Julian. “Julian… what is she talking about?”
“It’s a mistake! Victoria, babe, listen to me—” Julian stammered frantically, reaching for her hand.
Victoria yanked her hand away as if he were contagious. She looked at the grand estate, then at the uniformed deputies, and finally back at the man who had promised her a life of luxury.
“You told me this house belonged to you,” Victoria whispered, her voice dripping with venom. “You told me your family owned this entire estate!”
Before Julian could answer, the side gate opened, and Tessa came running out, crying hysterically as security guards escorted her off the grounds with two small suitcases.
“Julian! They’ve locked the doors!” Tessa wailed. “They won’t let me back inside to get my jewelry!”
“Your personal belongings have already been packed and placed
