Chapter 20 - The lien hearing
Judge Keene heard four days of testimony.
Meridian versus Cross Atelier.
Subcontractors.
Me.
Wilhelmina.
Experts.
First question:
What amount was actually lienable against Greyhaven?
Mechanic’s lien law distinguished:
Labor/materials improving property.
Professional design services where permitted.
Personal management fees.
Unrelated property planning.
Penalty damages.
Not all equal.
Judge’s preliminary findings:
Cross’s $912,400 lien materially overstated.
That did not automatically void every dollar under applicable rules because bad-faith extent still needed determination.
Verified lienable unpaid amount likely:
$176,000–$205,000 before credits.
Then credits from Meridian’s direct subcontractor payments reduced exposure.
Remaining lienable Cross interest potentially:
Around $61,000.
The rest:
Personal contract claims against me.
Unsecured.
Or unsupported.
Then Appendix H.
Judge had not ruled.
Cross demanded:
$1.58 million liquidated damages.
My counsel argued:
Hidden term.
No relationship to actual anticipated damages.
Equity conversion impossible and known to Cross.
Penalty.
Fraudulent inducement.
Judge ordered separate briefing.
No victory yet.
Then Wilhelmina’s counsel made one last threat in hallway:
“If H survives, your client pays seven figures.”
Eleanor answered:
“Then he pays if the court orders.”
No intimidation.
No men appearing.
That was how this ended.
May you like
Not with fear.
With a ruling.
