Chapter 4 - The Humiliating Return
It took them three days to get back to the States. Without access to their accounts, Julian and Sylvia were forced to beg a junior partner at Julian’s firm to wire them just enough money for two middle-seat economy tickets on a budget airline.
They arrived at my estate in the pouring rain, dragging their luggage through the mud because they couldn't afford an Uber Black and had to take a cheap local taxi that dropped them at the main gate.
“Open the damn gate!” Julian screamed into the intercom, completely soaked, his expensive linen suit ruined.
The heavy iron gates didn't budge. Instead, a towering security guard in a black tactical uniform stepped out of the guardhouse.
“Can I help you, sir?” the guard asked flatly.
“I live here!” Julian barked, pushing his mother under the small awning to shield her from the rain. “Open the gate, or you’re fired!”
“I don't work for you, Mr. Vance. I work for Mrs. Hale,” the guard replied, holding up a clipboard. “And according to this list, you are permanently barred from the premises.”
“Mrs. Hale?” Sylvia shrieked, clutching her ruined designer purse. “Her name is Vance! She is his wife! Let us in this instant, you oversized thug!”
The guard didn't flinch. He reached into the guardhouse and pulled out a thick manila envelope, sliding it through the iron bars.
“You’ve been served, Mr. Vance,” the guard said. “I suggest you leave before I call the police for trespassing.”
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Julian ripped the envelope open, the rain immediately soaking the thick stack of legal documents. At the very top, in bold black letters, were the words: PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE. And right beneath it: EMERGENCY RESTRAINING ORDER.
“She locked us out?” Julian whispered, his face going pale as the reality of his situation finally hit him. He had nothing.
