“I am here to collect my biological father’s personal belongings,” I said.

“There is nothing here for you,” Denise replied. “Gregory has made that very clear.”

“Eleanor is still Gregory’s wife,” I said, gesturing to my mother. “She has a right to enter.”

Denise let out a short, sharp laugh that held no humor.

“The paperwork was filed this morning, Colonel,” Denise said.

She reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a folded white document.

“Gregory has filed for an emergency separation and a restraining order,” she said.

She held the papers up so we could see the official court seal.

“You are both barred from the property,” Denise said. “Effective immediately.”

My mother took a step up the stone stairs, her hand gripping the black iron railing.

“This house was built on my family’s land, Denise,” Eleanor said.

“And it belongs to the Richards Corporation now,” Denise said, her eyes narrowing.

She looked at the guard closest to her and gave a small nod.

The guard, a broad-shouldered man with a scarred jaw, stepped down toward my mother.

“Ma’am, you need to step back,” the guard said.