On the final morning, Garrett arrived in a moving truck with my parents beside him, smug and triumphant. He tossed cardboard boxes at my feet and demanded I leave before the property appraisal began.

I smiled calmly.

Then a convoy of black SUVs rolled into the driveway behind them. Corporate executives, attorneys, reporters, and local officials stepped out while a giant tarp near the entrance dropped dramatically, revealing a huge gold sign: UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT — VERDANT VENTURES LLC.

The color drained from Garrett’s face as Amanda informed him the estate had already been sold for $2.85 million — and that further harassment would trigger lawsuits and restraining orders before lunch-