Chapter 3

“According to the latest records from the Land Registry, this property at 42 St. John’s Way was purchased entirely in cash by Ms. Emma before her marriage through an independent trust. The property is 100% owned by Ms. Emma alone.”

“Mr. Mark is neither an owner nor does he possess any legal right to dispose of this property.”

The officer took the document, scanned it, and turned to Mark. “Sir, can you present any legal documentation granting you authority over this property?”

Mark hurriedly pulled out a filed copy of the Agreement on Voluntary Waiver of Real Estate Trust Rights and School District Qualification.

“Look closely! This is the official document filed with the community board and the school district. It has Emma’s e-signature on it!”

“She already agreed to transfer the school district qualification as a lease guarantee. I was just having her sign a formal waiver confirmation!”

Vivian let out a quiet sigh of relief beside him, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

However, Steven had come fully prepared.

Opening his laptop, he displayed an immigration travel log alongside an electronic signature verification report to the officer.

“Officer, the e-signature on this so-called filed agreement was generated at 9:00 PM on the 14th three months ago.”

“On that exact day, Ms. Emma was accompanying her daughter to a music competition in Chicago. We have customs clearance records and hotel check-in receipts to prove it.”

“She never authorized any signature whatsoever.”

Steven turned his head to look straight at Mark. “In other words, Mr. Mark, you are suspected of identity theft, forging your wife’s signature, and submitting fraudulent documents to government authorities. Under local law, real estate and trust forgery is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.”

The moment the word “felony” left Steven’s mouth, Mark’s knees buckled. The documents slipped from his hand, scattering across the floor.

“You... you’re lying!” Cold sweat broke out on Mark’s forehead, his voice shaking.

“We’re husband and wife! What’s wrong with me using her signature?! How is that a crime?!”

“A marital relationship does not grant you the right to forge signatures or usurp non-marital assets.”

The officer turned to Vivian. “Ma’am, based on the property owner’s request, you and your child are currently trespassing.”

“Please gather your belongings and leave within ten minutes, or we will detain you for criminal trespass.”

Vivian never anticipated things turning out like this.

“Officer, no!”

Her fragile persona shattered instantly. Clinging to Mark’s sleeve, she shrieked, “Mark, help me! You promised me and my daughter! All our luggage is here, where are we supposed to go?!”

Mark could barely save himself, let alone worry about her.

“Officer, let’s talk about this!”

“Emma, tell the police! Are you really going to send me to prison over something this minor?!”

I paid no mind to Mark’s pleas. I had reached my limit long ago.

“Mr. Steven, please hire a professional crew to clear out everything in this living room that doesn't belong to Lily or me.”

“Understood.”

Looking at the neighbors whispering outside the front door, and then at Mark whose face was as pale as ash, Vivian abandoned all pretense of elegance. She grabbed her daughter and bolted upstairs to pack their things.

The officer stepped forward, securing Mark’s arm. “Mr. Mark, regarding the forged documents and illegal usurpation of property, please come with us to the station to assist with the investigation.”

As Mark was pushed toward the police cruiser, he turned back and glared at me viciously.

“Emma, you think this frightens me?! My lawyer will have me bailed out in no time!”

He lowered his voice, his tone dripping with malice.

“Have you forgotten? The top recommendation letter for St. Mark’s Academy requires the signatures of both parents.”

“As long as you don't drop the charges, I won't sign that confirmation! You forced my hand!”