“Then challenge them.”
“I would advise both of you to obtain independent counsel regarding the occupancy agreement.”
Both of you.
Not us.
Beatrice heard the distance in his words.
Evelyn’s representative removed a final envelope from the folder and placed it on the table.
“The property license prohibits commercial events without written authorization,” she said.
“No authorization was requested for tonight’s gala.
It is canceled.”
Beatrice’s face twisted.
“Two hundred guests are coming.”
“They have been notified that the event will not take place.”
“You contacted my guests?”
“The event planner did, after receiving notice from the property owner.”
Patrick reached for Evelyn’s arm.
She stepped back before he touched her.
The library doors opened again.
Two members of the estate security team entered.
Patrick straightened, relieved to see uniforms he recognized.
“Remove these people.”
Neither guard moved toward Evelyn.
The senior officer addressed her instead.
“Ms.
Pierce, do you want anyone escorted from the property?”
Silence settled over the room.
This was the moment Patrick finally understood that the house, the company, the cars outside, the staff instructions, and the authority he had worn like a tailored suit had never belonged to him in the way he imagined.
Evelyn could have ordered the guards to drag him through the rain.
Beatrice seemed to expect it.
Patrick almost seemed to want it, because force would have allowed him to call himself a victim.
Evelyn refused him that escape.
“No one is to be touched,” she said.
“Mr.
Ainsley may collect personal belongings from his study and bedroom.
Mrs.
Ainsley may remain in the east suite for thirty days under the existing occupancy terms.
Arrange transportation wherever they choose to go.”
Patrick stared at her.
“You’re throwing me out.”
“You told me my bags should be packed.”
“That is my home.”
“It was our home,” Evelyn said.
“You ended that before I signed anything.”
His anger broke through completely.
“You would be nothing without my name.”
Evelyn looked at the divorce decree bearing her restored surname.
“Your name was the only thing I was willing to lose today.”
Arthur turned away.
Beatrice sank into a chair, surrounded by portraits she would soon have to leave behind.
For the first time, she looked less like the ruler of the house than a guest who had overstayed an invitation.
Patrick tried one final argument.
“The fifty thousand dollars proves you accepted a settlement.”
“Yes.”
“You took my money.”
Arthur spoke before Evelyn could answer.
“The payment comes from Patrick’s personal account.
It settles her claim against his remaining personal property.
