The dinner began like an ordinary family gathering, but the $31,000 Rourke had demanded was about to expose everything. He had convinced his parents, Alden and Fern, to put their savings toward “buying into the villa,” promising them a co-ownership stake once I was gone. They believed their son completely. What they did not know was that Rourke had never owned the house or arranged any such agreement. He had taken their money while secretly planning to force me out of my own property.

I sat quietly as the transaction file was placed beside Sable’s plate. The documents showed exactly where the money had gone and proved there was no deed, no ownership stake, and no co-ownership agreement. Alden picked up the papers and began reading. His expression changed with every page. Then he looked across the table at his son. Rourke tried to explain, but his carefully constructed story was collapsing in front of everyone.