Chapter 5 - The Injunction
I stood at the balcony window, looking down at my father standing side-by-side with the man trying to destroy us.
“Don't open the gates, Victoria,” I said firmly. “Let them call the sheriff.”
Twenty minutes later, two police cruisers arrived alongside the court enforcement officer. I walked down to the gate accompanied by Victoria and two private security guards.
My father smirked as the officer approached. “There she is. Officer, that woman is holding stolen assets and illegally occupying my mother’s property.”
“Miss Whitaker?” the sheriff asked, holding up a paper. “We have an emergency temporary restraining order and an asset freeze issued by Judge Sterling.”
Victoria stepped forward, pulling a gold-sealed document from her briefcase. “Sheriff, Judge Sterling’s jurisdiction over this matter was stayed two hours ago by the Federal Appellate Court. The Whitaker Estate is registered under maritime trust jurisdiction in Delaware and protected under federal trade secrecy acts. Here is the stay order signed by Federal Judge Rebecca Torres.”
Victor Vance’s confident smile faltered. His eyes narrowed at Victoria. “You’re playing a dangerous game, daughter.”
“I’m doing my job, Mr. Vance,” Victoria said coldly. “And as for Mr. Richard Whitaker—if you step onto this property, you will be arrested for trespassing. Your emergency petition was denied at the federal level because Miss Claire Whitaker’s authority was notarized three years ago, when Evelyn Whitaker was in full health.”
My father’s jaw dropped. “Three years ago?!”
I stepped closer to the wrought-iron bars of the gate, looking directly into my father's panicked eyes. “Grandma planned this years ago, Dad. She waited to see if any of you would ever change. You didn't.”
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“Claire, please!” Marcus yelled, shoving his way to the front, his polished image completely shattered. “I owe two million to bookies! They’re going to break my legs! You’re my sister!”
“You laughed while dropping five million dollars into a trash can, Marcus,” I said, my voice unwavering. “You made your choice.”
