Chapter 6 - The Penthouse PadlockThe morning sun rose over the city, casting a brilliant orange light across the stone arches of the Vance estate in the exclusive gated community of Pine Crest.
At 7:00 AM, a sleek black town car pulled up to the security gates. The guards, recognizing the vehicle, immediately opened the barrier.
Miriam Cole stepped out of the back seat, holding a leather folder and a certified court order. Behind her, two moving trucks and a team of locksmiths parked along the manicured driveway.
The housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, opened the front door, her eyes wide with confusion. "Ms. Cole? What is happening? The family isn't home yet. They’re still at the hospital."
"I know, Mrs. Gable," Miriam said kindly, handing her a document. "The estate of 142 Pine Crest Drive has been foreclosed due to a default on the primary mortgage, which was held by Sterling Equity Partners. As of this morning, the property has reverted to its rightful owner, Katherine Vance."
"But... all their things are inside," the housekeeper stammered.
"The moving team will carefully pack all of Daniel and Vanessa’s personal clothing and items into storage," Miriam explained. "All furniture, art, and fixtures purchased with corporate funds will remain with the house. You are free to take your personal belongings and leave. Your final paycheck, including a three-month severance package funded by Mrs. Vance, has already been deposited into your account."
By 8:30 AM, the locks on the heavy mahogany doors had been changed, the security codes cleared, and a large, high-visibility sign had been placed on the wrought-iron gates:
May you like
PROPERTY CLOSED.
Under the direct ownership of Sterling Legacy LLC.
