Why would Voskerician do that? This is where the two sides disagree. Voskerician, in court filings, says Zuckerberg promised to introduce him to contacts in Silicon Valley, a valuable endorsement for anyone. Nothing was put in writing.

Zuckerberg’s lawyers deny that and all of Voskerician’s claims. Whatever the case, the developer sued and unless the two sides reach a deal the case will go to trial. If Voskerician wins, he may get the property back.

Inner Circle

The e-mails that have emerged during litigation offer a glimpse into Zuckerberg’s private universe. And it’s clear from the start that his inner circle was livid about their boss’s enterprising neighbor.

In one e-mail, Divesh Makan, a financial advisor to Zuckerberg, called Voskerician’s offer an “obscene proposal.”

In another, Anikka Fragodt, then Zuckerberg’s personal assistant, wrote: “This type of behavior makes me want to punch people in the face.” She added a sad-face emoticon.

Zuckerberg’s wife, Priscilla Chan, lamented: “It’s stuff like this that makes me so sad and angry.” She asked whether Makan could quietly figure out if the couple could buy Voskerician’s entire lot.

‘Extortive’ Tactics

Zuckerberg’s lawyers, in court filings, say the developer employed “extortive” tactics. They cited a Nov. 28, 2012, e- mail that Voskerician sent to his real estate agent in which he suggested the Facebook chief had a chance to buy some privacy.

If “Mark plans to live there long term,” Voskerician wrote, he has “one shot to ensure his privacy is where it needs to be.” He goes on to say the new home would be built “overlooking his backyard/Master Bedroom.”