Chapter 4 - The Eviction
Wade’s heart slammed against his ribs. He turned wildly to look at the screen. There, in bold black letters, was the corporate registration: Marlowe Global Holdings – 100% Equity Interest. Sole Beneficiary: Celeste Marlowe.
“No... no, this is a mistake,” Wade stuttered, turning pale. “Celeste, we’re married! Marital assets are shared!”
“The prenuptial agreement you signed four years ago explicitly kept all Marlowe assets separate,” Arthur interjected coldly, handing Wade a copy of the contract. “You signed away any right to claim corporate or real estate property owned prior to or acquired through Marlowe capital.”
Brynn’s face went completely blank. She looked at Wade, then at the legal documents on the screen, her emerald gown suddenly feeling like a joke. “Wade... what is he talking about? You said you owned the company!”
“I... I do! I mean, Celeste, talk to me in private!” Wade panicked, trying to grab Celeste’s arm.
Two muscular security guards instantly stepped between them, forcing Wade back.
“Furthermore,” Celeste continued into the microphone, looking directly at Brynn, “the luxury penthouse registered under Miss Brynn Hollowell’s name was purchased using stolen Marlowe corporate reserves. A formal injunction has been served, and federal marshals are currently seizing the property.”
Brynn gasped, dropping her wine glass onto the floor, where it shattered into pieces. “My apartment?!”
“And as for the estate in the suburbs,” Celeste added, looking down at Lorraine, who was shaking with rage at her table, “the locks are being changed right now. Sheriff’s deputies are currently removing your personal items and placing them on the curb.”
“You can’t do this!” Lorraine shrieked, rushing toward the stage. “You arrogant little viper! I am your mother-in-law! You owe us everything! Wade made you!”
“Wade made nothing,” Celeste replied coldly. “He lived off my family’s wealth for four years and convinced himself he was a king. But kings don't steal from their wives, and they don't abandon their newborn daughters in hospitals while they host mistresses in my home.”
Outside the club, a loud flatbed tow truck pulled up to the entrance. Two uniformed repossession agents began loading Wade’s silver luxury sports car onto the back of the bed.
Guests crowded around the glass windows, taking videos on their phones.
“Mr. Carrington,” a police officer walked into the ballroom, holding an arrest warrant. “We have a warrant for your arrest regarding financial fraud and unauthorized wire transfers totaling over four hundred thousand dollars.”
Wade looked around the room in terror. His business colleagues were backing away from him. The investors who had just praised him were shaking their heads in disgust. Brynn had already stepped away, frantically pulling off the diamond necklace and throwing it at him.
“I didn't know!” Brynn cried to the officers. “I had nothing to do with his money! He told me he was a billionaire!”
“Brynn, wait!” Wade reached out to her, but she turned her back on him completely, hurrying toward the exit to avoid the cameras.
“Celeste! Please!” Wade yelled as the officer cuffed his wrists behind his back. “Think of Ivy! She’s my daughter!”
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Celeste walked up to him, looking down into his desperate, terrified eyes.
“Ivy will have everything she ever needs,” Celeste whispered softly. “Including a mother who protects her from parasites like you.”
