At two in the morning, I received a message from my son: “Mom, I know you bought this house for 10 million… but my mother-in-law is against you being at your grandson’s birthday party.” I simply replied, “I understand.” But that same night I couldn’t take it anymore. “If they wanted to humiliate me as a grandmother, now they’ll pay the price,” I thought

And finally at the blue folder in my hands.

I knew he recognized it.

Not because of the color.

Because of what it meant.

“Mom… what is this?” he asked quietly, forcing a smile while birthday music and laughter echoed behind him.

Andrew stepped forward.

“Good morning. We’re here to carry out a formal review of the possession and use of this property on behalf of the sole administrator of the owning company.”

Daniel blinked.

“What?”

Behind him, Emily appeared, dressed in a flawless cream outfit, her hair neatly tied back, still holding a tray of desserts.

When she saw me, her face didn’t soften.

It tightened with irritation.

“You really chose today?” she snapped. “Of all days?”

I didn’t answer.

Because just then, Margaret stepped forward.

Slow.

Composed.

Dressed in navy blue, wearing subtle pearls, with that calm expression of someone who believed she controlled everything.

She looked at Andrew, the notary, the agents—and then at me.

Her smile barely shifted.

“Laura. What an unnecessary way to get attention.”

The rain had just stopped, leaving the ground damp and the air heavy with the scent of wet earth.

I kept my voice steady.