Chapter 2

“In order to get Lily into the entrance interview for St. Mark’s Academy, I spent three years getting her into the prep program. The proof of residence for this house is her only golden ticket!”

I glared straight at Mark. “And now you want to steal her opportunity just to play savior for someone else?”

“Lily is still young. If she doesn't apply this year, she can apply next year!” Mark interrupted self-righteously, his tone sickeningly indifferent.

“If Vivian’s child doesn't get in this year, her ex-husband will snatch away custody!”

“Just consider it doing a good deed. It’s no big deal.”

The little girl in the ballet dress stuck her tongue out at Lily from behind Vivian, while Vivian couldn't quite conceal the smug triumph in her eyes.

Lily kept her head down. A single teardrop fell onto her small leather shoes, but she bit her lip hard to keep from crying out loud.

I didn't waste another second arguing with Mark.

I wiped away the tears from Lily’s cheeks, pulled my phone out of my handbag, and dialed my personal lawyer’s number without hesitation.

The call connected almost instantly, and I put it on speakerphone.

“Mr. Steven, this is Emma.”

“As the sole legal owner of the property, please file a police report with the department immediately.”

“Someone has unlawfully broken into my private residence and is suspected of forging my signature to transfer my assets.”

Mark’s expression shifted drastically. “Emma, what the hell are you talking about?!”

Ignoring him completely, I continued into the phone:

“Furthermore, file for divorce immediately, and freeze all joint trust accounts funded by my assets.”

When the shrill sound of police sirens echoed outside the house, Mark’s face drained of all color.

Twenty minutes ago, he was looking at me like I was a lunatic, thinking I was just throwing a dramatic tantrum.

It wasn't until two police cruisers and a sleek black corporate van pulled into the driveway at the same time that panic finally took over.

“Emma, you actually called the cops?!” Mark grabbed my wrist hard, eyes burning with fury.

“Do you have any idea that the neighbors are watching? I’m running for the HOA board next week! You’re dragging my name through the mud!”

I yanked my hand out of his grip and cast a cold glance over the mother and daughter standing beside him.

“Your name was dragged through the mud the moment you brought another woman and her child into my home.”

The door opened, and two police officers walked into the living room, followed by my personal lawyer, Steven.

“Who is the property owner here? We received a report of an active unlawful entry and trespassing.”

The lead officer got straight to the point, his gaze sweeping across the boxes packed all over the floor and Vivian dressed in a silk robe.

“Officer, this is a misunderstanding,” Mark quickly put on a polite smile and stepped forward.

“I am the master of this house, and this is my wife, Emma. We’re just handling a minor internal family property transfer. There’s no illegal entry here.”

Vivian pulled her daughter’s hand, speaking in a weak, pitiful voice. “Yes, Officer, I’m Mark’s college friend.”

“I just went through a personal crisis, and Mark was kind enough to let us stay temporarily. We really had no idea it would cause a scene like this...”

Attorney Steven walked straight past Mark and handed a stamped legal document to the officer.

“Officer, I am the legal counsel representing the sole property owner, Ms. Emma Watson.”