"Seriously. This is the most exclusive development in the city. Someone who reeks of poverty like her, buying here?"
"Probably just wanted to sneak in, take some photos for social media, pretend she's somebody. I've seen her type before."
As the commotion grew, my mother's face hardened. "Leave. Now. Stop making a spectacle of yourself."
My expression didn't waver. "I'm an owner here. Why would I leave?"
Aunt Diane burst into mocking laughter. "Oh, that's rich! The lies just keep getting bigger! Take a good look in the mirror, sweetheart—what makes you think you qualify to own anything here?"
Uncle Robert's face had gone rigid with irritation. He raised his voice, directing it at the sales office staff:
"What kind of operation is Emerald Oasis running? How does just anyone wander in off the street?"
"We came here specifically because of your reputation—your environment, your security. If we buy here and then have to deal with lowlifes like this causing scenes, what does that say about the caliber of residents?"
His outburst had the desired effect. Security guards converged from all directions, forming a tight circle around me, their expressions hard and watchful.
My sister's lip curled with satisfaction. She snapped her fingers at them like they were servants.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Throw her out!"
"Why would some broke nobody who can't even afford a house stick around here embarrassing herself?"
The security manager heard this and immediately signaled his team to drag me out.
But before they could lay a hand on me, Manager Dickerson's sharp voice cut through the air from across the room:
"Stop right there!"
The command froze the guards mid-step and drew every eye in the room.
Under the crowd's bewildered stares, Manager Dickerson hurried over to me and said respectfully:
"Ms. Fox, the paperwork for the villa you purchased outright at Emerald Oasis has been finalized. Here are your keys."
