Chapter 4 - THE MORTGAGE TRUTH
Julian’s shock instantly turned into white-hot fury. He lunged two steps toward me, his hand raised, his face twisted in a rage the guests had never seen before.
"You crazy bitch!" he roared. "You think you can do this in my house?! In MY apartment?!"
“Mr. Miller, step back!” the female process server barked, her hand dropping instinctively toward her belt as she stepped between us. "You are currently being served with a Temporary Restraining Order. If you lay a hand on the Petitioner, you will be taken into custody immediately by the Cook County Sheriff's deputies waiting downstairs."
Julian froze, his arm hovering in mid-air, surrounded by forty of his mother's affluent friends who were now whispering frantically among themselves.
"Julian’s home?" I laughed softly, the sound carrying across the silent room. I turned to face the crowd of socialites, who were watching the drama unfold with wide, horrified eyes. "I think there’s been a slight misunderstanding for the last five years."
"Sloan, shut up!" Fiona hissed, her face flushed red with humiliation as she tried to usher her guests toward the coat closet. "Everyone, please, this is just a minor domestic disagreement—Sloan is unstable, she’s having a nervous breakdown—"
"I paid $3,500 every month for the mortgage on this penthouse, Fiona," I said loudly, cutting her off completely. "From my personal bank account. I paid the HOA fees. I paid for the furniture you’re sitting on. Julian hasn't earned a single dollar in thirty-six months."
A wave of shocked murmurs erupted from the guests.
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"That's a lie!" Fiona cried out, her voice cracking. "My son is an investor! He bought this place!"
"He bought it with my credit," I corrected, pulling a second stack of papers from my handbag and holding them out for the crowd to see. "And as of 8:00 AM this morning, the emergency judge signed an order granting me exclusive occupancy of this residence. Which means, Julian... Fiona... both of you have exactly one hour to pack your personal belongings and clear out."
