Chapter 3 - The Ultimatum
Colton stepped forward, trying to use his height to intimidate her, just like he did when they were teenagers. "You can't just kick us out, Maris. We're family. Dad's your father!"
"Family?" Maris let out a short, humorless laugh. "Family is a word you use when you need a safety net, Colton. Where was family when I was sleeping on a floor, drinking instant coffee, trying to pay my tuition? Where was family when Dad told everyone at Thanksgiving that I was probably working as a secretary because I couldn't cut it in the real world?"
She tapped the black envelope.
"The terms are simple, Franklin. You have thirty days to vacate the premises of Camden Logistics. As for this house, I am offering a lease-back option. You can stay here, but the title remains in my name. And under one condition: Colton and Derek are barred from the company property immediately. They are fired."
"You can't fire us!" Derek yelled. "We're executives!"
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"You're liabilities," Maris corrected him sharply. "The forensic audit I conducted shows that both of you have been skimming from the company expense accounts for personal trips and luxury vehicles. If I go to the authorities, this isn't a civil matter anymore. It's corporate fraud. So you can either take your termination quietly, or you can discuss it with the state prosecutor."
The backyard remained dead silent. The uncles and cousins who had been laughing with Franklin minutes ago were now looking away, suddenly fascinated by their shoes. The power dynamic had completely shifted, fractured beyond repair.
