Chapter 3
"Your daughter lives in my million-dollar house, and you blame me for her death? I'm paying for a five-star hotel. Should I be the one jumping off the 30th floor?" I shot back.
"Jade Rivers! You heartless!" she snapped at me.
I ignored her drama and said, "Choose one of two.
"First, pack up and leave now. Once cameras show you're outside, I'll unlock the door.
"Second, stay inside if you want, but I'll call the cops for breaking and squatting. They'll drag you out."
"Jade!" Flora's weak, sharp voice came through the phone. "Open the door! My stomach hurts! I need the hospital! Don't leave me!"
She was nearly sobbing, clearly putting on a show.
I felt nothing.
"Want me to call an ambulance?" I said flatly. "You know the address better."
I hung up immediately.
My mom was stunned, speechless, just pointing at me.
"Are you crazy?" she blurted.
"I'm not crazy," I said firmly. "Mom, I'm done letting everyone walk over me. This house is my limit. They crossed it, and now they'll pay."
As expected, they didn't pack up or leave.
An hour later, the police called.
The officer said they got a report of someone being unlawfully locked in and asked me to come clear it up.
"Sure, officer, I'll be right there," I said calmly, as if discussing the weather.
After hanging up, I waited before going over.
I slowly entered the bathroom and took a hot shower, letting the steam ease my sleepless-night fatigue.
I sat at my vanity and applied a full face of makeup.
My foundation was flawless, brows sharp, eyeliner perfectly winged, and bold red lipstick finished the look.
I wore a white business suit and black heels that added three inches.
The woman in the mirror looked sharp and confident.
I wasn't going there to be judged, but to clean house.
I arrived at my apartment to find the front crowded like a busy market.
Cops, building staff, and nosy neighbors filled the small courtyard.
I pushed through the crowd and nodded to a young officer by the police tape.
"Officer, I'm Jade Rivers, the owner," I said.
I pulled my ID and property deed from my bag.
The officer checked their details.
"That's her! That cold woman!"
A shrill scream rang out as Flora's burly mother-in-law charged at me, claws outstretched.
"She locked up my daughter-in-law and family! Is she trying to starve us? Where's the justice? Come see this!"
She was so agile that if the cop hadn't acted fast, my white suit jacket would be ruined.
Blocked by the officer, she sat on the ground, slapping her thighs and throwing a tantrum.
"My daughter-in-law carries our family's pride. If anything happens to her, I'll make her pay. Even as a ghost, she won't escape!"
The front door opened slightly from inside.
Flora clung to the doorframe, pale, clutching her stomach, tears streaming, giving me a sad look.
"Please, Jade, I was wrong. Let us out. I don't feel well. I'm begging you."
Her soft voice reached the entire crowd.
Suddenly, everyone looked at me with confusion, judgment, and disdain.
I stood center stage, everyone glaring at me like I was the villain.
Ignoring the stares, I pulled out my phone and recorded.
The camera shifted from the old lady on the ground to Flora at the door, then to the curious neighbors watching.
"Everyone, police and neighbors, listen carefully," I said calmly.
"This is what happens when guests act like they own the place."
"I then clearly and confidently explained everything to the officers."
"Officer, I haven't illegally detained anyone. This deed is solely in my name, Jade Rivers. I am the sole owner," I handed over the original deed.