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 place 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 place 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 him late - 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 relaxed . I couldn't read all those complicated reports and shit . But I could read maps . I saw exactly where they planned 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 ' cause the land 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 calculating look . " What's up , Clara ? " " Nothing really , just saw you looked lonely . " I sat down across from him . 13:19 Hell Yeah , Forget the Other Woman , My Smart House Was Cheating On Me ! 10.79 % Chapter 6 " 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 . " I 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 . " I 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 ? " I smiled and got up . " Anyway , don't let me bug you . " " Wait , Clara . 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 ? " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!