Chapter 5 - The First Strike
The morning sun reflected blindingly off the fresh snow, but there was no light in the Sterling mansion.
At exactly 8:00 AM, a relentless pounding echoed through the grand foyer. Adrian, who hadn't slept a wink, dragged himself to the door, his mother trailing nervously behind him.
Standing on the porch were two uniformed police officers and a man in a sharp gray suit carrying a leather briefcase.
"Adrian Sterling?" the man in the suit asked. "I am Mr. Vance, lead counsel for Hayes Global Trust. You are hereby served."
He thrust a stack of documents into Adrian's chest.
"Served with what?" Eleanor shrieked, clutching her silk robe.
"Eviction, for one," Vance replied calmly. "This property is owned by the Trust. Your residency was contingent on your employment with Sterling Holdings, which was terminated at midnight. You have one hour to vacate the premises."
Adrian stared at the papers, his vision blurring. "I... I have custody papers! I'm the father of her children!"
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Mr. Vance offered a razor-thin, terrifying smile. "Ah, yes. The manila folder you threw into the snow. Our legal team reviewed it. By attempting to force a mother and two premature infants into freezing conditions, you’ve provided us with irrefutable evidence of child endangerment. The district attorney is already reviewing the security footage from this porch."
Vance checked his gold watch. "Fifty-nine minutes, Mr. Sterling. I suggest you start packing."
