“I didn’t come for attention, Margaret. I came to take back what was never yours.”
For the first time, something flickered in her eyes.
Small.
Fast.
But real.
Daniel swallowed.
“Mom, we can talk about this inside. There’s no need to make a scene.”
“The scene happened at two in the morning,” I replied. “I just brought the paperwork.”
Emily placed the tray down sharply on a nearby table.
“This is unbelievable. My son is celebrating his birthday. Are you really doing this now?”
I looked straight at her.
“No. You did this. I just stopped allowing it.”
The notary opened his briefcase.
Andrew pulled out the documents.
One of the agents stepped slightly aside, firm and silent—clearly not there just to observe.
Behind them, the voices from the living room began to quiet.
Guests were noticing.
Tension always arrives before truth.
Always.
“Mr. Daniel Brooks,” the notary said calmly, “you are hereby formally notified that this property belongs entirely to Brooks Holdings LLC, whose sole administrator is Mrs. Laura Brooks. Your use of this residence has been subject to specific conditions, which have now been breached.”
Daniel frowned.
“I don’t understand.”
Andrew looked at him evenly.