And you used my trust as a weapon. You have exactly thirty minutes to pack a bag and leave my property before I call the police and have you arrested for financial fraud on the lease.”

The silence in the room was absolute. Nobody moved. Nobody defended him.

Damon looked around, searching for an ally, a sympathetic face, a loophole. He found nothing but cold, judging eyes. The man who’d believed he was master of his universe suddenly realized he was merely a guest in mine, and his eviction notice had just been served.

Without another word, he turned and walked up the stairs. The party was over. The guests quietly gathered their coats, offering me whispered support, tight hugs, and apologies before slipping out the front door.

Nobody touched the cupcakes.

Thirty minutes later, Damon came down the stairs with a single duffel bag. He didn’t look at me. He walked out the front door, the heavy lock clicking solidly into place behind him.