Chapter 7 - The Collapse
“That was my attorney, Phoebe,” I answered smoothly, stepping backward toward the front door to give myself clearance. “And what she just executed was a freeze on the four hundred thousand dollars you illegally stole from my house via a forged HELOC signature while our son was dying in the pediatric ICU.”
Julian lunged across the table, his hands trembling as he grabbed the edge of the wood. “You’re lying! You can’t prove—that’s my house! You signed—”
“I didn't sign your fraudulent quitclaim deed, Julian,” I interrupted, pulling the original warranty deed out of my coat pocket and tossing it onto the table right on top of his fake papers. “Clara Sterling. Sole owner. Acquired six years before I ever met you. And under Texas law, forging a homestead lien without both spouses’ verified presence is a first-degree felony.”
Chloe stared at Julian in absolute horror, her face twisting with sudden realization and betrayal. “Julian? You said the house was yours! You said her name wasn't on the title! You told me we were safe!”
“Shut up, Chloe!” Julian roared, turning on her with venom before snapping back to me, his voice cracking with rising hysteria. “Clara, stop this! We can talk about this! We’re husband and wife! We just lost Leo—we’re grieving, we’re not thinking straight—”
“Don’t you dare say our son’s name,” I hissed, taking a sharp step forward. The cold fury in my voice made Julian physically recoil. “You traded his memory for a real estate gamble and a mistress before his body was even cold in the dirt. You thought you could throw me out like trash and keep everything for yourself.”
Heavy footsteps echoed loudly on the front porch. Before Julian could liven another word, the front door swung wide open.
Two uniformed Travis County sheriff deputies stepped into the entryway, their hands resting calmly on their utility belts.
“Julian Vance?” the lead officer asked, his voice booming through the foyer.
May you like
Julian stood frozen, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, completely paralyzed.
“You’re under arrest for felony identity theft, forgery of legal instruments, and financial exploitation of a homestead property,” the officer continued, stepping forward and pulling out a pair of steel handcuffs. “Turn around and put your hands behind your back.”
