Chapter 398

"Private property?"

Vivian narrowed her eyes at the uniformed guard blocking their path.

The man stood firm, his posture rigid with authority. "That's right. No unauthorized entry permitted."

Sophia's temper flared instantly. "Are you deaf? This is my best friend's family home! Since when did it become private property?"

She stepped forward aggressively, fists clenched. With Vivian's combat skills backing her up, Sophia feared no security guard.

"Try me." The guard unclipped his radio. "But I'm calling backup either way." He spoke into the device, "Code 7 at the Lockhart perimeter. Requesting immediate support."

Vivian placed a restraining hand on Sophia's arm. "Let's handle this civilly." Turning to the guard, she kept her tone polite but firm. "I'm Isabella Lockhart. This estate belongs to my family. Care to explain why I'm being barred from my own home?"

Recognition flickered in the guard's eyes. "Ah, you're the owner we couldn't contact." His stance relaxed slightly. "This area's been marked for municipal development - a waste management facility. Construction begins next month. You'll need to sign the expropriation papers."

"A garbage plant? Here?" Vivian's voice turned icy. "This is a historic residential district. Who authorized this?"

"City planners," the guard recited confidently. "With the northern expansion initiative, this land lost value. Perfect for infrastructure projects."

Sophia made a disgusted noise. "So you're telling us you'll bulldoze a house full of memories to build a trash dump?"

"Correct." The guard nodded. "Sign now and you'll still get compensation. Refuse..." He shrugged. "We'll have to treat it as an illegal structure."

Vivian's jaw tightened. "Is that so?"

"Municipal orders outweigh homeowner rights." The guard tapped his badge meaningfully. "No exceptions."

"I see." Vivian's smile didn't reach her eyes.