The Ashford family business was huge–real estate, tech, you name it.


    Jake was running this new green energy project.


    Grandfather was using it to test Jake against his cousin Ryan–whoever did better would inherit everything.


    The project was happening in this ce called Pine Ridge.


    When I heard “Pine Ridge,” I almost dropped my coffee.


    Pine Ridge was right next to where we used to live.


    I knew that ce like the back of my hand.


    Jake was stressed as hell about it, working till all hours.


    His office was covered with project files and blueprints.


    I started bringing himte–night snacks when he was working.


    At first, he was suspicious, but when he saw I just dropped off food and left without asking questions, he rxed.


    I couldn’t read all thoseplicated reports and shit.


    But I could read maps.


    I saw exactly where they nned to build the factory–right in this low area near Pine Ridge.


    That spot flooded every damn year when the snow melted and the underground springs overflowed.


    All us locals called it “Devil’s Hollow“-nobody was stupid enough to build there.


    Jake had to know. There was a thick geological report on his desk that basically said “HIGH RISK.”


    But he picked that spot anyway ‘<b>cause </b>thend was cheapest and he could finish fastest, beat Ryan to the punch.


    He was gambling with people’s lives to win some family pissing contest.


    Finally, I saw my chance.


    At a family barbecue, I spotted Ryan sitting alone in the corner, drinking and looking pissed about something.


    I grabbed some lemonade and walked over.


    “Hey Ryan, why you sitting here by yourself?”


    He looked up at me with this calcting look.


    “What’s up, ra<b>?</b>”


    “Nothing really, just saw you looked lonely.” <b>I </b>sat down across from him.


    13:19


    <b>Hell </b>Yeah, Forget the Other Woman<b>, </b><b>My </b>Smart House Was Cheating On Me<b>! </b>


    <b>10.79</b><b>% </b>


    “Heard you guys are both working on some big project. Must be stressful.”


    “Family business,” he said, not giving much away.


    “I don’t know shit about business stuff.” <b>I </b>stirred my drink, acting casual. “Just know you gotta be careful where you build things. Like back home near Pine Ridge, there’s this spot called Devil’s Hollow that floods every spring. Old–timers always said anyone stupid enough to build there would lose everything.”


    <b>I </b>said it like I was just making conversation.


    Ryan’s fingers tapped once on his beer bottle.


    I knew I’d hit something.


    “Really? That’s interesting.”


    “Probably just old wives‘ tales, you know?<b>” </b>I smiled and got up. “Anyway, don’t let me bug you.”


    “Wait, ra. I got some other questions for you.”


    I turned back to Ryan.


    I knew he was hooked.


    That night, I drove out to Pine Ridge alone.


    Looking at all that construction happening in the moonlight, I made a phone call.


    “Ryan, I got a deal for you. You interested?”