Chapter 9 - The Legal Threat
Mara slowly turned the deadbolt, pulling the door open just enough to block the entrance with her body.
"You have no jurisdiction here in Austin without local warrants," Mara said, her voice shaking but fiercely resolute.
Julian Vance pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up his nose, offering a cold, corporate smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Mrs. Lin, let's not invoke local police jurisdiction just yet," Julian replied smoothly, stepping closer.
"Grant Ashford is prepared to file immediate grand larceny charges against you for possession of stolen family property."
"Stolen?" Mara scoffed bitterly. "That ring was a dying man's gift to his wife!"
"According to the probate registry of Harris County, Liam Ashford died intestate in a tragic fire twenty-five years ago," Julian stated calmly.
"Any property belonging to him reverts directly to the sole surviving heir—Grant Ashford."
Julian’s eyes flicked past Mara’s shoulder, landing directly on little June standing by the hallway.
"And more importantly, the court will require an immediate pediatric DNA swab to verify the child's paternity."
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"Because if she is Liam Ashford's biological daughter, she isn't just holding a ring."
"She is the legal co-owner of a four-hundred-million-dollar industrial trust."
