Part 7: Permission Withdrawn
Martin called again.
“I’ve prepared the notices,” he said. “No games with locks or physical removal. We document everything and follow the proper process.”
“Come over.”
Ethan looked at me when I hung up.
“You’re kicking them out?”
“I’m ending their permission to live here.”
“Where are they supposed to go?”
“I don’t know. Maybe you should help them find somewhere.”
His face changed.
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“Where am I supposed to live?”
I stared at him.
That question told me he finally understood.
“You haven’t decided whether I’m staying,” he said.
“No.”
“Laura.”
“I haven’t decided whether we’re married.”
In the living room, Diane stood the moment I walked in.
“I want this childish behavior to stop now.”
“Good. We agree. My attorney will be here shortly.”
Her expression changed.
“For what?”
“To provide written notice that your permission to occupy the house is withdrawn, and explain the lawful next steps.”
Megan jumped up.
“You called a lawyer on us?”
“I called a lawyer to protect my property.”
Diane pointed at me.
“Ethan invited us.”
“Ethan isn’t the titled owner.”
“He’s your husband!”
“Yes,” I said quietly. “That’s part of the problem.”
Thirty-five minutes later Martin arrived.
At the dining table he explained my ownership was unchanged. Nobody could borrow against, refinance, or transfer my property without my legal participation.
He also documented the disputed spending from the property account.
Diane exploded.
“This is my son’s home!”
Martin opened the deed.
“The recorded owner is Laura Mitchell.”
Diane turned to Ethan.
“Say something.”
Ethan stared at the floor.
Then finally, he did.
“Mom, you should pack.”
