Chapter 4 - The Boardroom InvitationTwo days later, Daniel announced at breakfast that he had arranged a high-level corporate dinner downtown to introduce me to his primary investors and business partners.
“It’s time you start dressing the part of a proper executive’s wife, Claire,” Daniel said, pouring himself a cup of coffee while Victor smirked from across the table. “We’re meeting at The Obsidian Grill at eight sharp. Wear that emerald dress I bought you.”
It wasn't an invitation. It was a display of ownership. They wanted me polished, smiling, and compliant in front of their financial backers to prove that the Mercer household was stable and under their absolute control.
“I’ll be there,” I said quietly.
That afternoon, I didn't go shopping for dresses. I drove downtown to the Federal Courthouse and the offices of the City Property Registry.
Using my credentials as the sole legal heir and verified beneficiary of the Hart estate, I filed an emergency injunction and a notice of fraudulent encumbrance against Mercer-Hart Holdings LLC.
The clerk, recognizing the legal weight of the documents, stamped every page with the official court seal.
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“This freeze will take effect immediately upon judicial signature, Ms. Hart,” the clerk said. “Anyone attempting to draw against these assets will trigger an automatic federal audit.”
“That,” I replied, slipping the certified copies into my leather portfolio, “is precisely the intention.”
