Page 67 of The Activist and Her Billionaire

"This woman came to my home and threatened me," "I say.

"But that's the problem, Judge," "Adrianne says. "It's not her home." Adrianne turns to her lawyer. I pulled out my phone and texted Jack.

"Help," "I say. "In court. Adrianne."

"Miss Casey," "the judge snaps at me. "Are you really texting in my courtroom?"

I stare at him blankly. I totally forgot I wasn't supposed to. "Yes, your honor," "I say.

"Judgement for the plaintiff," he says and cracks his gavel. "I want you out of that house. You have until the close of business to be moved out. Further, by order of this court, you are forbidden to bring future actions against the ownership of the property at issue."

Adrianne clasps her hands like she's praying.

"Case dismissed," the judge declares and cracks his gavel again.

As we file out, Adrianne smirks at me. "Oh," she coos. "Still no ring on that finger. It is a mystery. If that man gave me a ring, I would never take it off."

"Big fucking if," I say, shaking my head.

"I did what Jack couldn't do," she hisses. "Now he doesn't have to see you anymore. "

Chapter 19

Jack

Brody and I sprinted from the limo when Nick pulled into a parking space. We will probably be held in contempt of court for bursting into a courtroom, but here goes. The judge has descended from the bench, but he’s still there.

“Am I too late?” I call out; my heart is beating out of my chest. I looked around but didn’t see Brynne. For a person who doesn’t use a car, she sure makes quick getaways. Brody stands at the desk for the defendant’s counsel.

The judge replies, “Mr. Houston, the matter has been settled, and Miss Casey has been officially evicted.”

“No. There has been a mistake. Ms. Gollum did not have the authority to bring this action. She is a limited partner – not a general partner. I am giving the inn to Miss Casey,” I say. “I have signed it over to her. We’re recording the deed now.”

“I am a partner,” she argues.

“Again, you were a limited partner – limited being the key concept here. But you aren’t even that - not anymore,” I say. “We dissolved the partnership as of yesterday. And, in case you are thinking of trying to muck things up, know that I have alwaysbeen the owner of the land - the limited partnership was formed for the construction of the improvements only.”

Jack continues, “Given the deterioration of the dynamics in the office marketplace, building an office park on the site is no longer financially possible. So, um, probably best not to waste your time or money going down that path.”

Adrianne is going into conniptions. The judge waves us to be seated. He bangs the gavel.

“Order, Miss Gollum. And I do not appreciate your attempt to use the court for your personal issues when you have no legal standing.” he glares as he resumes his seat.

“In that case,” the judge says. “I will set aside the order to vacate. Submit papers to back your statements. Pending anything to the contrary, the case is hereby dismissed. My congratulations to Miss Casey when you give her the news.”

“I am going to sue you,” Adrianne hisses.

“I want you to leave me alone,” I say. “I want you to leave Brynne alone.”

Brody hands her two documents. “These are just your copies,” he says. “Here is your dissolution of partnership papers.”

“It won’t stand,” she whimpers.

“Oh, it will. Knock yourself out trying to fight it,” Brody says in his best cutthroat tone. “And here are two restraining orders. They are self-explanatory. One is for Jack, and one is for Brynne. Stay away from them.”

“You’re a party to the action,” her counsel argues. “You can’t serve those.”

“Those are courtesy copies,” Brody says without missing a beat. “You will be served formerly. And should you fight back, we will make this very public. Everyone will know this woman has continually stalked and harassed my clients. If that’s the legacy she wants to broadcast, have at it. I live for this shit.”

---