Chapter 6 - Eviction Notice
With Richard and Preston loaded into the backs of separate federal vehicles, the Bellmont Estate descended into complete chaos. Caterers stopped serving food; the bartenders packed up their crystal glasses; the high-society guests were practically running toward the parking lots, desperate to dissociate themselves from the Carter name before the morning headlines hit the press.
Vanessa was on her knees on the damp flagstones, her designer gown soiled with dirt and spilled champagne, sobbing hysterically into her hands. Eleanor stood beside her, shivering violently, clutching her pearls as if they were a life preserver in a storm.
Marcus Vance stepped forward and checked his platinum wristwatch. ""Madam Chairperson, it is now 5:45 PM. According to the emergency injunction issued by the state court, all unauthorized individuals must vacate the Bellmont Estate within fifteen minutes, or they will be cited for criminal trespass.""
Vanessa looked up through her tear-stained eyes, her makeup completely ruined, staring at me with pure hatred. ""You did this! You planned this! You came here just to destroy my happiest day! You've always been jealous of me! Always!""
""Jealous of you?"" I asked, walking over until I stood directly over her. I looked down at the woman who had spent her entire life tearing me down, taking credit for my accomplishments, and laughing while our father treated me like garbage. ""Vanessa, what do you have that I could possibly be jealous of? A fake fiancé who despised you and only wanted your father's stolen money? A lifestyle built entirely on unpaid debt and counterfeit prestige? A mother who only loves you when you're wearing diamonds she can show off to her bridge club?""
""I am your sister!"" she shrieked, her voice cracking.
""You stopped being my sister the day you watched our father delete my name from the Apex patent registry and laughed while you took my bonus check,"" I said, my voice dropping to a cold, steady whisper. ""You have lived thirty years believing you were royalty, looking down on waiters, drivers, and me. Today, the bill came due.""
I turned to Eleanor. My mother was trembling, her painted lips quivering as she tried to muster one final shred of maternal manipulation. ""Emily... darling... you can't throw your own mother out onto the street. Where will we go? The penthouse in Manhattan... the country club...""
""The Manhattan penthouse is owned by Carter Industries, Eleanor,"" I said plainly. ""The bank seized the keys two hours ago. The country club membership has been revoked for non-payment of annual dues. You have your personal jewelry and whatever clothes you can pack in the next two days. After that, the receivers will liquidate the rest.""
Eleanor gasped, stumbling back into one of the empty banquet chairs.
Marcus signaled to the private security team. ""Gentlemen, please escort Mrs. Carter and Miss Carter to the front gates. Call them a standard taxi. They are no longer permitted to utilize the estate vehicles.""
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Two towering security guards moved forward, firmly but professionally taking Eleanor and Vanessa by the arms and lifting them to their feet. Vanessa screamed, kicking her heels, trying to pull away, but the guards marched them forward, down the grand terrace steps, past the ruined floral arrangements, and out toward the gates where the flashing lights of the departing police cars illuminated the night.
I stood by the fountain alone, listening to the estate fall completely quiet. The chandeliers continued to sparkle in the evening breeze, but the party was over. The empire of cruelty had crumbled in less than an hour.
