Chapter 6 - Unmasking the "Perfect" Sister
"Ten-four, Mr. Vance," the detective’s voice crackled through the phone speaker. "Two squad cars are already two minutes out on Elm Street. Keep everyone inside."
The call ended with a crisp beep.
A high-pitched scream tore from Amanda’s throat. She dove across the corner of the table, grabbing the thick manila folder and desperately trying to rip the documents in half. But the paper was too thick, the notarized legal stock resisting her manicured nails. When she couldn't tear them, she shoved a handful of papers into the burning fireplace.
"Burn it! It’s all lies! None of it is real!" she screamed, smoke immediately billowing out of the hearth as the flames consumed the top receipts.
David didn't even flinch. He watched her frantically feed the fire with a look of calm pity. "Burn whatever you want, Amanda. Those are photocopies. The originals are already logged into evidence at the county prosecutor's office. The forensic digital trail of your IP address accessing Sarah's social security number and electronic signature cannot be burned in a fireplace."
Uncle Richard stood up from his chair, his face dark with fury. He tossed his napkin onto his plate. "Evelyn, Clara and I are leaving. I cannot believe you allowed this filth under your roof. You knew she was robbing our family blind, and you covered for her while letting her treat Sarah like dirt. Don't ever call my house again."
"Richard, wait! Please, you can't leave us!" Mom sobbed, trying to grab her brother’s sleeve, but Richard brushed past her without a backward glance. My cousins scrambled after him, eager to escape the toxic fallout of the decaying household.
The heavy front door slammed shut, echoing like a gunshot through the foyer.
Amanda fell to her knees on the hearth rug, soot staining her expensive ivory pants, staring blankly into the ashes. Her breathing came in ragged, hysterical gasps. "Why did you do this to me?" she whispered, looking up at David with burning hatred. "Why couldn't you just stay out of it? You ruined my business! You ruined my life!"
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"You ruined your own life the second you believed other people only existed to serve you," David answered quietly. "You stole from your dying father. You robbed your aging mother. You attempted to steal Sarah’s inheritance. And tonight, you dared to lay hands on my daughter. You signed your own warrant, Amanda."
Outside, the faint wail of approaching sirens broke through the howl of the November wind, growing louder with every passing second.
