In April 2006, plaintiff Jill Antoine, a physician, invested money with Reality Information Services, Monetary Recovery Service Inc. and Monetary Investment, LLC, with plans to purchase foreclosed properties and sell them at a profit. She also retained the companies to purchase a specific foreclosed property for use as her own personal residence. Antoine claimed she invested $520,000 with the companies, but only $20,000 was repaid to her. Antoine sued Alvin Florida, acting individually and doing business as Reality Information Services, as well as Monetary Recovery Service and Monetary Investment. She alleged that the defendants’ actions constituted breach of contract, fraud, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty and conversion. Antoine contended that the defendants made false and misleading representations to her about the state of a specific property, which she relied on to purchase her personal residence. She also contended that the defendants made false and misleading statements to her in order to induce her to invest money, and that the investment funds were mismanaged. The defendants denied all of the plaintiff’s claims. Florida and Monetary Investment filed a cross-complaint against Antoine, alleging harassment, intention infliction of emotional distress, defamation, intentional and negligent interference with a business relationship, negligence, and unfair business practices. They contended that Antoine made false statements about them in an attempt to harm their ongoing and prospective business relationships. Florida and Monetary Investment also contended that Antoine disclosed proprietary and confidential information related to the manner in which they conduct their business., Antoine sought recovery of the principal investment, amounting to $500,000 in damages, plus interest. She also sought recovery of exemplary and punitive damages.