Chapter 2 - The Camera Keeps Rolling
The locksmith immediately withdrew his hand as if the oak door were on fire. He clutched his tool bag and took a fast, nervous step backward, looking toward Preston in complete confusion.
Preston’s practiced, charismatic smile instantly tightened. His jaw clenched as he turned slowly toward the security camera mounted above the doorframe.
The voice belonged to Silus, Preston's younger brother. Silus was in his early 30s, a quiet, hardworking carpenter who had spent the last two years restoring this exact house with his own two hands.
"Silus, turn the camera off," Preston demanded, trying to maintain his professional facade for the camera operator who was still recording. "You're embarrassing yourself. The moving truck is already paid by the hour. We are doing this today."
"I am not turning anything off," Silus’s voice replied through the speaker, terrifyingly calm and entirely unbothered by Preston’s posturing. "If that locksmith touches my property, I will press charges for attempted burglary."
The father stepped up beside Preston. He glared up at the small security camera lens.
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"Stop being selfish, Silus," the father scolded, his voice dripping with toxic disappointment. "Your brother just secured a massive brand deal with a lifestyle network. He needs a fully restored, aesthetic house to film his new real estate pilot! You’re just a carpenter. You don't need a house like this. You’re supposed to support your family."
👉 What dark financial secret is the family hiding about how Preston plans to "take" the house?
