Chapter 3 - The Return to River ForestAt 11:00 AM, three black vehicles pulled up to the grand wrought-iron gates of the River Forest estate.
In the lead sedan sat Marianne Vale and me. Flanking us were two black SUVs carrying four uniformed Cook County Sheriff's deputies and a court-appointed property receiver.
Through the front windshield, I saw my father's four-million-dollar stone mansion sitting peacefully under the autumn sun.
On the driveway near the front porch, my stepbrother Blake was washing his new black sports car, playing loud music on a portable speaker, while Grant sat on the porch steps drinking coffee.
When the sheriff's vehicles parked along the driveway, Blake turned off his music, frowning in confusion, while Grant stood up slowly, setting his coffee mug down on the stone railing.
I stepped out of the lead sedan, wearing my black wool coat, my posture tall, fluid, and commanding. Beside me walked Marianne Vale, holding a stack of court-sealed enforcement orders.
Blake looked at me, letting out a loud, mocking laugh as he leaned against his sports car.
"Well, look who came back!" Blake sneered, holding up his smartphone. "Did you bring more bags for me to film, orphan? Or did you come to scrub the driveway?"
I didn't answer him. I walked straight past him toward the front porch.
Grant stepped down the stone steps, blocking the doorway, his broad frame tense, his eyes narrowing into vicious slits as he saw the four sheriff's deputies stepping up behind me.
"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" Grant demanded, his voice rough and arrogant. "This is private property! Get off my sister's land!"
Marianne Vale stepped forward, pulling a primary legal decree from her briefcase and handing it straight to Grant.
"This is an emergency Writ of Assistance issued two hours ago by the Cook County Chancery Court, Mr. Grant," Marianne announced cleanly, her voice echoing across the sunny driveway. "Confirming that Miss Nora Vance is the sole primary trustee and owner of the River Forest estate."
Grant's face went completely, paper-white. "What... what nonsense is this?! My sister is Edward Vance's legal widow!"
"Your sister was married to Edward Vance," Marianne corrected smoothly. "However, Mr. Vance placed this entire property into an irrevocable trust thirty-two years ago. Your sister holds zero legal equity in this residence."
The front oak doors opened sharply.
Celeste stepped onto the porch wearing an expensive silk robe, holding a coffee cup. When she saw me standing beside four armed deputies, her smug, triumphant expression completely shattered into unhinged panic.
"Nora?!" Celeste shrieked. "What are you doing here?! Officers, arrest her! She's trespassing!"
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The lead deputy stepped up onto the porch, pulling a set of heavy steel handcuffs from his belt.
"Mrs. Celeste Vance," the deputy declared, his voice cold and official. "You have thirty minutes to collect your personal clothing and vacate these premises. If you refuse, you will be arrested for illegal detainer and contempt of court."
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