Chapter Ten

Sonya rides a creative high, assembling cross-season Ryder Sports ads and taglines. Her focus breaks when Brandon Wise appears at the manor. Despite Sonya denying entry, Brandon pushes inside, criticizes the house, demands the cat be removed, and presses for a personal and professional reunion, ignoring repeated orders to leave.

When Brandon grabs Sonya’s arm, Yoda and Pyewacket react. House spirits Jack and Clover escalate: unseen shoves, slaps, and a booming warning force Brandon into a sneezing, panicked retreat. Sonya, shaken but safe, calls Trey to report the trespass and threat.

Trey arrives, notes Sonya’s bruise, and methodically outlines the law: criminal trespass, assault, harassment, and a verbal threat. He directs her to file a police report, seek a protection against harassment order, and provide Brandon’s contact information. Sonya agrees, recognizing the need to protect herself and her mother.

Cleo returns, hears the full account, and vents fury while endorsing Trey’s legal strategy. She reframes Brandon’s behavior as entitlement and ego, jealous of Sonya’s independence, inheritance, and the Ryder win. The support steadies Sonya, who embraces the plan to impose consequences.

They FaceTime Winter, who backs the charges and asks for details and documentation. Trey and his family plan a formal cease-and-desist letter warning Brandon against further harassment or defamation. Owen offers muscle, but Trey insists legal pain will last longer.

As evening settles, the household regroups with wine and pizza. With allies—legal, familial, spectral, and furry—Sonya closes the door on Brandon, refocuses on work, and reclaims calm.