Chapter 4 - The Legal Wall
Vance Sterling stepped forward, opening a thick leather binder. His presence immediately sucked all the air out of the room.
"My name is Vance Sterling," he announced, his voice echoing off the high ceilings. "I am chief legal counsel for Mercer Architectural & Development Group and personal attorney to Mr. Evan Mercer. You are currently committing multiple felonies, including aggravated trespass, fraud, and misrepresentation of legal authority."
Mom’s face paled slightly, but she quickly masked it with indignation. "Fraud? I am his mother! A mother cannot trespass in her son's home! In our family, what belongs to one belongs to all!"
"Where was that philosophy ten years ago, Mom?" I asked, looking her dead in the eye. "Where was 'what belongs to one belongs to all' when Cole threw me into a lamp because I used Tessa's coffee mug?"
Cole stood up, his fists clenching at his sides. "Are you seriously still whining about that?! That was ten years ago, Evan! Grow up! We are family, and we're in a tough spot! You're living in a palace while your parents are staying in a two-bedroom motel!"
"Then you should have managed your company better, Cole," I said calmly.
"You owe us!" Tessa screamed. "Your father built the Mercer name! You used his name to build your business! Half of this penthouse belongs to Cole by blood right!"
Vance chuckled softly—a dry, terrifying sound. "Mrs. Mercer—or rather, Mrs. Tessa Mercer—the entity 'Mercer Architectural' is a registered Delaware C-Corporation owned entirely by Evan Mercer. Your father’s company was 'Mercer Construction LLC,' which was dissolved in bankruptcy court three months ago with $4 million in outstanding liabilities."
Vance pulled out a stack of paper. "In fact, by attempting to claim this property under the Mercer name, you have legally exposed yourselves to process service."
Chief Raymond stepped forward, pulling four sets of legal notices from his coat.
"You are hereby served with a temporary restraining order, an emergency eviction notice, and a civil lawsuit for fraudulent entry," Vance said, handing the papers to Cole, Tessa, and my mother.
Mom dropped her tea cup. It shattered against the white marble floor, splashing warm liquid across her shoes.
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"You... you're suing your own mother?!" she gasped, tears finally welling in her eyes—tears of anger, not remorse.
"You broke into my home," I said quietly. "You scuffed my floors. You touched my things. Chief Raymond, escort them off the premises immediately. If they resist, call the LAPD and have them booked for breaking and entering."
