After I bought my dream lake house to recover in peace

Ryan scoffed. “Dad says the money came from family sacrifice. You owe us.”

My hands shook, but I kept my voice steady. “When are you coming?”

“Eight a.m. We already rented a truck. Don’t make it ugly, Claire.”

He ended the call before I could respond.

For a full minute, I remained still while the refrigerator hummed and the water tapped softly against the dock.

Then I smiled.

Ryan had overlooked three important things.

First, I was no longer the frightened little sister who stepped aside whenever he raised his voice.

Second, my father had no legal control over property he had not purchased.