Chapter 3 - The Gala of Ruin
Back at Arden House, the donor dinner had descended into absolute chaos.
Grant Hart was in the middle of a speech, raising a glass of expensive champagne to thank his partners for their upcoming investments, when a chorus of synchronized smartphone pings echoed through the grand dining hall.
One by one, the city's elite pulled out their phones. Whispers broke out like wildfire. The Langfords, the most influential donors on the museum board, stared at their screens in horror.
"Grant," Mr. Langford stood up, his face pale with disgust. "Is this a joke? This document states that you are a mere tenant of this estate. And worse... it indicates an emergency clause has been triggered due to criminal assault against your wife?"
Grant’s glass shattered on the marble floor. "What? No! That’s absurd! This house has been in the Hart family legacy for—"
"It hasn't," a cold, booming voice interrupted.
Evelyn Baird walked into the dining room, flanked by four burly, uniformed security guards and two police officers. The guests gasped. Celeste rose from her seat, her midnight-blue gown rustling. "How dare you interrupt our private event! Security, remove this woman!"
"I am the security," Evelyn replied smoothly, holding up a certified court order. "Actually, Celeste, you are the ones being removed. Effective immediately, the Vance Trust has terminated your lease for cause. Furthermore, Mr. Grant Hart, these officers are here to arrest you for felony domestic assault."
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Grant backed away, his face drained of color as the police stepped forward with handcuffs. "This is a mistake! My wife is a nobody! She can't do this!"
"Your wife," Evelyn whispered loudly enough for the entire room to hear, "is Sophia Vance. The sole owner of this house, this land, and the company that funds your entire firm. You have exactly two hours to pack a single suitcase each. Everything else stays."
