“Mom, my mother-in-law is living with us… and she’s making our lives miserable. Please come to the family meeting tomorrow,” she said, almost in a whisper.

She tried to argue that it was just a formality since her daughter lived there, but I interrupted her to clarify that she was only a guest who had overstayed her welcome. I handed her a white envelope with her name on it and insisted that she read the contents in front of the entire family.

She tore the envelope open with a rough gesture, and as she read the first line of the eviction notice, her face turned completely white. “You cannot do this to me because I am the mother of the woman who lives here,” she stammered while looking around for support.

I reminded her that I was the owner and that her daughter had already signed a new agreement that required her to move out. Skylar told her mother that she could not take the constant criticism anymore and that they needed to live their own lives.

“I have also arranged a new apartment for Wesley and Skylar so they can be independent and happy,” I announced to the remaining guests. I explained that Beverly would be trespassing if she stayed, so she should probably head to the apartment she recently rented in Charleston.