Chloe gasped. My mother’s eyes bulged as she read it a second time.
“Because Mariana liquidated her own inherited commercial property to save Julian’s company seven years ago,” Arthur explained calmly, “Julian transferred sole, unencumbered ownership of this entire real estate holding to her. Mrs. Vance is the sole legal owner of this land and this home.”
Evelyn whipped her head toward me, her voice shrill. “Julian! How could you do something so foolish?!”
“Because when my empire was collapsing, she saved me,” I said, locking eyes with my mother. “I didn’t give her this house as a gift, Mom. She earned it.”
Mariana walked over to the two packed suitcases Chloe had set by her chair.
“You brought these out for me, Chloe,” Mariana said softly. “But I think you should keep them packed.”
Chloe swallowed hard, her face draining of all color. “Mariana… please…”
“You have forty-eight hours to return my SUV keys, my personal documents, my jewelry, and every cent you fraudulently charged to my name,” Mariana instructed.
Then she turned her gaze upon my mother. “And you will be vacating my property by noon tomorrow, Evelyn.”
“I am Julian’s mother!” Evelyn shrieked, looking at me desperately. “Julian, are you really going to let this woman throw your own mother out on the street?!”
In years past, that emotional manipulation would have worked. I would have tried to mediate, to compromise, to buy my mother a luxury condo just to keep everyone happy.
