Chapter 3 - The Cold Exile
Within ten minutes, the front gates of the Buckhead mansion opened to admit three black SUVs.
Madeline had not called the police—not yet. She had called her personal legal counsel and her private security team, funded entirely by her own family's trust, which Jeffrey had always assumed was depleted.
Six burly men in dark suits stepped into the living room.
"Mr. and Mrs. Harlan, and Miss Blake," the lead security officer said, presenting a stack of documents. "You are trespassing on property solely owned by the Vance Trust, inherited by Mrs. Madeline Vance-Harlan. You have fifteen minutes to pack your personal belongings and vacate the premises."
"What?!" Noelle screamed. "Jeffrey, do something! This is our home!"
"It was never your home, Noelle," Madeline said, holding Liam close as he drifted into a fragile sleep in her arms. "I bought this mansion. I paid off the mortgage. My name is the only one on the deed. Get out."
Jeffrey tried to step toward her, his hands raised in surrender. "Maddy, please. We can talk about this. I made a mistake. Cynthia seduced me, she—"
"Don't lie, Jeffrey," Cynthia snapped, turning on him instantly. "You told me you hated her! You told me she was just a workhorse to make us rich!"
"Shut up, Cynthia!" Jeffrey yelled.
"Both of you, get out," Madeline commanded. "My security team will escort you to the curb. Any personal items left behind will be thrown in the trash."
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As Noelle, Jeffrey, Cynthia, and a crying Austin were ushered out into the pouring rain, Madeline immediately called her trusted pediatrician.
"Dr. Evans," Madeline sobbed, finally letting her tears fall now that the monsters were gone. "It's Liam. I need you to come to the house immediately. Please."
