Chapter 12 - The Ultimatum
Ethan didn't raise his voice. He didn't need to.
"You're trespassing, Mother," Ethan said, his tone absolute, cold, and entirely devoid of familial warmth. "The private security detail that escorted you off this property six months ago is currently watching you from the tree line. You have sixty seconds to get back in that car before I have you arrested for stalking and violation of the restraining order."
Jocelyn’s lips curled into a bitter, humorless smile. She reached into her handbag, pulling out a thick, yellowed manila envelope tied with a faded red ribbon.
"I didn't come here to beg, Ethan," she said softly, holding up the envelope. "I came to show you what you threw away your family empire for. Look inside. Go ahead. Open the records of the trust your father set up before he died. The one you think makes you a self-made billionaire."
Ethan didn't blink. "I don't care about your ledgers."
"You will," Jocelyn hissed. "Because every cent used to fund Mercer Urban Systems—every dollar that built this very house, every share of stock you own—was borrowed against land your grandfather stole from a partner fifty years ago. A partner whose descendants are still looking for payback."
Hannah stepped off the porch, walking up beside Ethan. She reached out, her hand gently brushing against his arm. She didn't look at Jocelyn with fear; she looked at her with the quiet, devastating pity of someone who had already survived the worst life could throw at her.
"Jocelyn," Hannah said evenly. "The only thing stealing our peace right now is you. Leave."
May you like
Jocelyn stared at Hannah, her chest heaving with a deep, impotent rage. Slowly, realizing that neither her money nor her threats held any power here anymore, she dropped the envelope onto the dusty gravel at their feet, turned around, and climbed back into the town car.
The vehicle reversed down the drive, disappearing into the summer dust.
