Chapter 4 - The Frozen Assets
I stared at Steven’s demanding text message, a slow and triumphant smile spreading across my face.
He had driven three hours into the snowy mountains with wealthy clients, only to find a freezing, unpowered cabin.
I quickly typed my response, feeling absolutely no remorse for ruining his important weekend.
"I canceled those utilities because I am no longer funding this family, and you are currently trespassing on my private property."
I hit send and waited, knowing the explosion of anger would be immediate and severe.
My phone instantly began ringing with back-to-back calls from Steven, my father, and my mother.
I ignored all of them, savoring the glorious silence of my apartment while their fake world crumbled.
Mr. Vance quickly drafted an official cease-and-desist letter, demanding my family vacate the cabin and surrender all spare keys.
I felt incredibly empowered, realizing I held a half-million-dollar piece of real estate they had foolishly handed over to me.
Later that evening, the local news began playing softly on my television in the background.
I was chopping vegetables for dinner when a breaking news alert caught my attention.
The news anchor reported a severe emergency unfolding in the nearby mountain resort town.
A luxury ski cabin had caught fire due to a wealthy guest attempting to use a dangerously unmodified indoor propane heater.
Helicopter footage showed the unmistakable cedar roof of my family's cabin completely engulfed in bright orange flames.
My phone rang again, and this time, the caller ID showed the local mountain fire department.
May you like
"Miss Kinsley, we are calling to inform you that your property has sustained massive fire damage," the chief stated grimly.
"However, we also need to inform you that the police have detained your brother Steven at the scene."
