Chapter 7 - Vanessa’s Counter-AttackIf Daniel was broken, Vanessa was ferocious.
On Friday morning, I received a certified legal letter delivered by a process server. It wasn't from Daniel; it was a formal notice of intent to sue filed by Vanessa’s high-priced divorce attorney, demanding “alienation of affection, tortious interference, and fraudulent restitution of wedding gifts.”
Vanessa was attempting to sue me for $100,000, claiming that my sudden withdrawal of the wedding gift caused severe psychological trauma and public defamation that ruined her reputation.
I forwarded the document straight to Arthur Pendelton.
Arthur called me within twenty minutes, laughing so hard he could barely speak.
“Margaret, this woman is clinically delusional,” Arthur chuckled. “Suing you for defamation when her own wedding seating arrangement is currently a trending meme on TikTok? My God, her lawyer is going to drop her the moment he realizes she hasn't paid his retainer either.”
“Let her sue, Arthur,” I said calmly. “I have all the receipts. Literally.”
“By the way,” Arthur added, his tone turning professional. “What are your plans for the Lake Marion property? Several local developers have reached out to me offering top dollar for the land. It’s prime real estate.”
“I’m not selling it,” I replied. “I’m turning it into something meaningful.”
“Oh? What do you have in mind?”
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“A retreat center,” I smiled faintly. “Specifically for single mothers who worked double shifts to put ungrateful children through college. Call it a sanctuary for women who finally figured out that they do count.”
Arthur laughed heartily. “I love it. Consider the foundation papers drafted.”
