Chapter 3 - The True Motive
I sat in the back of the ambulance while the paramedic carefully stitched the cut on my scalp.
The flashing red lights illuminated the dark driveway of the Cherry Hills estate.
I finally opened the crumpled piece of paper that my sister-in-law had secretly given me.
It was a printed copy of a final foreclosure notice from a major international bank.
Natalie climbed into the back of the ambulance, looking nervously over her shoulder to make sure she wasn't followed.
She whispered that Diego's family had been completely bankrupt for over two years.
Their luxury cars were leased, their credit cards were maxed out, and the mansion was being seized by the bank next week.
"They didn't just want your apartment for Victoria to live in," Natalie explained with tears in her eyes.
They desperately needed a high-value asset to use as collateral for a massive, high-interest bridge loan.
They had planned to force me to sign over the deed tonight, fully intending to mortgage my condo to the absolute limit.
I felt a cold chill run down my spine as the reality of their pure desperation washed over me.
They were literally willing to destroy my life just to maintain the illusion of their fake wealth.
I thanked Natalie for her bravery and promised her that I would help her escape this toxic family.
The paramedic cleared me to go home, advising me to rest and follow up with a neurologist in the morning.
I took a taxi back to downtown Denver, desperately craving the safety and quiet of my own home.
When I finally reached my front door, my electronic keycard flashed red and denied me access.
May you like
I heard the unmistakable sound of a deadbolt turning from the inside of my own apartment.
Victoria slowly opened my front door, smiling as she held up a shiny new set of keys.
