By noon, the Hawthorne family had assembled in the estate library—not for another celebration, but for a video conference with Lena.
I joined from the apartment while Noah quietly built a wooden train on the floor outside the camera’s view.
Daniel appeared first, looking exhausted and furious. Margaret sat stiffly beside him, clutching the chair, while his father paced behind them.
“This is extortion,” Daniel snapped.
Lena remained perfectly calm. “No. Extortion involves an unlawful demand. My client is simply ending voluntary financial support.”
Margaret leaned toward the screen. “That house belongs to my family.”
Lena displayed the deed.
Owner: Evelyn Carter Holdings, LLC.
Margaret stared speechless.
“The occupants were granted a revocable license,” Lena continued. “That license has been terminated. Formal notice provides thirty days to vacate.”
Daniel slammed the desk. “You cannot evict my parents!”
“I can,” I answered. “But I’m offering your father a smaller apartment for one year because he never mistreated Noah. Your mother is not included.”
Margaret lunged toward the camera.
“You scheming little nobody! We welcomed you!”
“You called me trash at my baby shower. You mocked my miscarriage. Yesterday, you humiliated me in front of my son, then threw my clothes outside.”
She stiffened.
“Family arguments happen.”
“Ab:u:se happens when good people keep financing it.”
Daniel changed tactics, lowering his voice.
“Evelyn, come home. We can fix this privately.”
“You threatened to erase me from your life.”
“I was angry.”
“You were honest.”
Lena opened another file.
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