Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2 — The Corporate Shield
The heavy doors of the Escalades swung open simultaneously.
It looked like a scene straight out of a political thriller.
Six massive men dressed in sharp, identical tactical suits stepped out into the morning mist.
They wore earpieces. They wore mirrored sunglasses.
And they moved with a terrifying, synchronized efficiency.
They weren't local police.
They were Verdant Ventures' elite private corporate security detail.
"What the hell is this?" Douglas demanded, taking a step back as the men surrounded the driveway.
Garrett was so shocked he loosened his grip on my arm.
I immediately ripped my wrist away and stepped sideways, putting distance between us.
The lead security officer, a man built like a brick wall, pointed a gloved finger directly at Garrett.
"Step away from the Managing Director," the officer commanded.
His voice was a deep, authoritative baritone that left zero room for negotiation.
"Managing Director?" Garrett laughed nervously. "She's my sister. This is a family dispute."
"This is private corporate property," the officer replied, taking a step closer to Garrett.
"And you have just committed a Class A assault on our executive."
Garrett paled. He looked at Douglas for help.
"Now, see here!" Douglas shouted, puffed up with his usual arrogant bluster.
"I am Douglas Fry. I originally purchased this land. I demand to know who you people are."
The back door of the second SUV opened.
A pair of Christian Louboutin heels stepped onto the gravel.
Amanda Cortez, my fiercely brilliant corporate attorney, emerged from the vehicle.
She was wearing a flawless crimson pantsuit, holding a thick leather briefcase.
She looked at my parents with absolute, predatory delight.
"You don't demand anything, Mr. Fry," Amanda said smoothly, walking toward me.
She stopped by my side and briefly checked my bruised wrist.
"Are you alright, Sienna?" she asked softly.
"I'm fine, Amanda," I replied, rubbing my arm. "Right on time."
Amanda smiled and turned her lethal gaze back to my family.
"Who are you?" Vivien demanded, clutching her designer purse to her chest.
"I am Amanda Cortez, Senior Legal Counsel for Verdant Ventures."
Amanda snapped her briefcase open, resting it on the hood of the moving truck.
"And you three are currently trespassing on a multi-million-dollar commercial agricultural facility."
Garrett sneered, waving his crumpled quitclaim deed in the air.
"This is Sienna's farm! She owns it, which means we can revoke the trust!"
Amanda actually laughed out loud. It was a beautiful, mocking sound.
"Sienna doesn't own this farm, you absolute idiot," Amanda said.
The silence that followed was deafening.
A crow cawed in the distance.
The wind rustled through the purple lavender fields.
Garrett's arm slowly dropped to his side.
"What did you just say?" Douglas whispered, his face draining of color.
"Sienna sold this entire estate three weeks ago," Amanda declared, her voice ringing out crisp and clear.
"The deed you are holding is completely worthless."
"It's a piece of trash. Just like your legal strategy."
Vivien gasped, stepping back as if she had been physically struck.
"Sold it?" Garrett stammered, his eyes darting frantically between me and Amanda.
"No. No, that's impossible. The county records..."
"Were sealed under a corporate blind trust pending final utility transfers," Amanda interrupted flawlessly.
"Verdant Ventures, a global agricultural conglomerate, purchased Sunset Lavender Co."
"The transaction was finalized, the deed was transferred, and the ink has been dry for almost a month."
I looked at my brother.
The golden child. The boy who was given an $847,000 apartment just for existing.
His entire world was crumbling right in front of my eyes.
"But..." Garrett choked, looking at the dirt beneath his feet. "My debts..."
"Are your problem," I said, my voice echoing with icy finality.
"You thought you could come here and steal my life to pay for your mistakes."
May you like
"But you’re too late, Garrett."
"I don't own the dirt anymore."
