When I returned, my heart sank. The house was a complete mess. Food wrappers were scattered everywhere, the smell was awful, and Gran’s bedroom was in terrible shape. It wasn’t just untidy — it felt deliberate. called Lydia immediately.

She didn’t deny it. Instead, she said, “Gran should have left the house to me. You don’t deserve it.” Then she hung up.For days, I worked tirelessly to clean and restore the house. When I couldn’t fix the bedroom walls myself, I hired painters.

I replaced ruined furniture and spent more money than I could afford. Even when everything looked clean again, Lydia’s words stayed with me. She thought she could hurt me and walk away without consequences.