Chapter 3

The second the door was closed, I grabbed my phone.

I had to see what they would do next.

I opened the Nextdoor app. My gut was right.

Brenda had already posted a long message on the community page, complete with several photos of my garden.

"Great news, everyone! Through Mark's and my efforts, we have successfully secured the use of the penthouse rooftop garden for the community!"

"Tomorrow at 2 PM, Councilman Mark will be hosting a European-themed party in the garden to celebrate our community's unity and harmony!"

"A big thank you to Manager Peterson for his support, and to all the members of the HOA for their understanding and cooperation!"

Dozens of comments had already flooded in.

"Wow, Brenda, you're amazing!"

"Councilman Mark is such a great public servant!"

"I've always wanted to see that garden! Finally, a chance!"

"Brenda, how did you get the penthouse owner to agree? I thought she said no?"

My fingers trembled as I scrolled down and saw Brenda's reply.

"Some people just don't get community spirit. They think they're better than everyone. But when faced with real power, they have no choice but to play along."

I was still trying to be civil. To use the system.

I replied directly: "On what grounds are you seizing private property that I paid half a million dollars for?"

Less than ten seconds later, Brenda replied with a voice note.

I pressed play. Her sharp, ugly voice filled the air.

"Oh, you still dare to show your face? Half a million? Where does a little girl like you get that kind of money? Are you some CEO's mistress? Or running some kind of dirty business?"

"You watch your mouth. My husband isn't just a councilman. He knows people. People. One word from him, and you won't just disappear from Chicago. You'll disappear. Period."

I gripped my phone, my knuckles turning white.

This vicious woman wasn't just trying to steal my property, she was trying to destroy my reputation.

The Chicago underworld? My father is the Chicago underworld. Every outfit on the South Side pays tribute to the Ricci family. And this clown thinks her husband's tame politician is a threat?

The community page exploded.

"Oh my god, is that true?"

"I knew it. How else could a young woman afford the penthouse?"

"These mistresses are getting bolder and bolder."

"No wonder she's so stuck-up. She has something to hide."

I calmly screenshotted every single comment, saving the evidence.

But I made myself a promise. I left that life for a reason. I would handle this the civilized way—crush them with lawyers and lawsuits, not muscle and fear.

I replied directly to her post. "Brenda, this is slander and conspiracy to commit theft. Every post has been screenshotted. My lawyer will be in touch shortly."

Brenda shot back, more arrogant than ever:

"A crime? Hahaha, that's hilarious! Go ahead, sue me! See if you can find a judge in Chicago who'd dare to take your case!"

Mr. Peterson jumped in too.

"Ms. Ricci, please watch your tone. Management is acting on an HOA resolution. Everything is by the book. If you continue to post statements that disrupt community harmony, we will have to restrict your account."

The rage in my chest was a wildfire. My restraint was a single thread, about to snap.

I shut off my phone and leaned back on the couch, closing my eyes.

My half-million-dollar garden, stolen.

My property deed, dismissed as a fake.

My reputation, slandered.

The HOA and management, working together to rob me blind.

Fine. Just fine.

I stood up, took photos of the purchase contract and the deed, encrypted them, and sent them to my private lawyer in Manhattan.

Just after I hit send, the elevator light flickered on.

Someone was going to my garden?

Who would be going up there this late?

The elevator doors opened, and when I saw what was happening, my heart sank.