Solved Murders - True Crime Stories - From Betrayal to Power How Family Secrets, Lies, and Shadows Shaped My Fight for Control PART7 #31

Episode Date: July 23, 2025

#horrorstories #reddithorrorstories #ScaryStories #creepypasta #horrortales#familysecrets #psychologicalhorror #darklegacy #betrayalandpower #emotionalwar  In this intense chapter, the narrator confronts the culmination of years of betrayal and manipulation. Loyalties are tested, and the price of power becomes clearer with every broken trust. The haunting legacy of the family’s darkest moments reveals itself fully, forcing a reckoning that blurs the lines between victim and perpetrator. Part 7 is a gripping exploration of how far one will go to fight for control when surrounded by shadows.  horrorstories, reddithorrorstories, scarystories, horrorstory, creepypasta, horrortales,familydrama, psychologicalthriller, darkfamilysecrets, betrayalhorror, emotionalturmoil,powerstruggle, hauntedlegacy, twistedloyalties, emotionalconflict, toxicrelationships,familycurse, mindgames, trustissues, darknesswithin, psychologicalbattle, generationaltrauma

The first win was mine, plain and simple. And once that happened, everything else just started clicking into place. I've always felt like some people are born with certain gifts, and for me, reading people has always been one of them. It's like I came into this world knowing how to pick up the little cues others miss, the flicker of hesitation in their eyes, the slight shift in their tone. I could sense what they were thinking before they even said it. Now that I'm grown, I've sharpened those instincts into weapons.

I've learned how to use that talent like a scalpel, precise, quiet and effective. With Andrew, the trick was pretty straightforward. There were only three rules, know what he likes, keep things interesting, and stir up his need to protect. That's all it took. So the next morning, I walked into Crest Group looking like a whole different person. tailored blazer, sleek heels, like makeup, very clean, very sharp. Nothing like the carefree, cheeky girl from the day before.

Andrew's assistant brought me into his office, and there he was, already waiting, perfectly put together like always. They were gearing up to launch a new energy project, so I came prepared. I had combed through everything, early market predictions, competitor breakdowns, feasibility outlines, investor timelines, development angles. I knew my stuff. When I spoke, it wasn't fluff, it was solid, strategic insight. Andrew listened closely. He even nodded along a few times. Three hours flew by. Already noon, he said, standing up and stretching. Let's go get lunch. I smiled politely. Thanks, but I've got to head back to the office.

We're putting the finishing touches on the feasibility report. I want to get it to you soon. He looked genuinely impressed. Giving L.B. this project might be the smartest thing crests done. Internally, I rolled my eyes. Of course you'd say that, handing a big project to your future in-laws company? Pretty convenient. Outwardly, I smiled like I was flattered.

I'll let my manager know you said that. It really speaks to the effort I've been putting in. He laughed and poured us each a glass of wine. I meant it. Let's toast to what I hope will be a great partnership. I took the glass, gave it a gentle swirl, and tasted it. Smooth, rich, a familiar warmth spreading across my tongue. Oat Brian.

His eyebrows lifted. Wow. Not many people here can name that. I smiled again, softer this time. It's timeless. I admire how it doesn't scream for attention. It's just good, and it knows it. Balanced, subtle, and long-lasting.

I took another sip. The fruit notes are such a nice touch. Know your enemy. Know yourself. That's how you win. I had been studying Andrew for six months, his past, his quirks, the schools he went to, the places he traveled, even his favorite brands and old girlfriends. I'd learned everything. He liked wine, so I studied it. I read article after article,

memorized reviews from top sommeliers, watched hours of videos. I couldn't afford anything fancier than $15 grocery store stuff, but I knew how to sound like I belonged in a wine cellar. He was into sailing, golf, and jazz, too. I stayed up late reading about regattas and green techniques, listening to Coltrane and Davis until it felt like second nature. Everything he liked, I learned to like. Everything he believed in, I made sure I could talk about like it was mine too. Sometimes, when he started a sentence, I could finish it. Imitating his preferences was only the beginning.

Men love to talk about their hobbies. Just listen carefully, throw in a, wow, that's fascinating. Ora, you're really good at that, and they light up like Christmas trees. The hard part is becoming their type. That's where it gets tricky. People say guys are unpredictable, that they like all kinds, curvy, slim, wild, shy. But when it comes down to it, they're creatures of habit. They might hook up with different-looking women, but the ones they fall for all have something in common.

Andrew wasn't into helpless girls or drama queens. No, he liked smart, independent women who could challenge him but still keep things light. Confident, charming, but with a dash of mystery. Lucky for me, that's my specialty. If he'd been into sweet, naive girls, it would have been harder. I can fake a lot of things, but wide-eyed innocence isn't one of them. But before the project even officially started, his eyes were lingering on me a little too long. You could tell he was putting in more time than needed, meetings, check-ins, follow-ups.

All excuses just to see me. Next step. Surprise him. Once you've figured out what a man likes, it's just about throwing little curveballs his way. Like baking a chestnut cake because you heard him mention it once. Or snagging jazz concert tickets. Or dragging him out for a walk just in time to catch a rainbow. It sounds silly, but it works.

I set the stage slowly. Lured him in with thoughtful gestures, always timed perfectly. By the time he realized he was caught, he was already too deep to climb out. Then he panicked. He handed the project to one of his business managers, kept his distance, started filling his calendar with meaningless work. It was cute, honestly. Like a deer trying to back out of a net it had already

tangled itself in. I didn't chase. I turned all my attention to L.B. and the projects we had going. The clock was ticking, Bella was about to start at Nova, getting familiar with the company's inner workings. I had to beat her to it. Thanks to a couple of successful launches and the backing of Henry, I was flying high. So when it came time for LB's quarterly review, he took me with him and had me lead the presentation. When I walked into Nova's boardroom, my father looked like he'd seen a ghost. Stiff, uncomfortable. Probably worried I'd out him as my dad in front of everyone. I ignored him completely. I stood at the podium and knocked the presentation out of the park. Clear arguments, strong data, and just the right touch of humor. People were laughing,

nodding, even whispering about me. When I finished, someone leaned over to to Henry. Who's the new girl? I stepped in. Jenny Bennett. I've been at L.B. just under a year. Young and talented, the guy said, shaking my hand. You've got a bright future. That one meeting sealed it. The next time I walked into Nova, I didn't even make it past the lobby before someone called my name. Miss Bennett, right? It was Owen Hill, Nova's development manager. He was one who had asked about me at the presentation. I'd noticed him then, his eyes a little too focused, the way he leaned forward when I talked. Now, he seemed eager to help, guiding me through the building, introducing me to everyone like I was already part of the team.

I gave him the sweet, bashful look. Just enough to make him think I admired him. It worked. You see, there's a fast lane for women who know how to play it. It's just a matter of deciding if you're willing to bend a little. For me, I don't mind. If the ladder's there, why not climb it? After a few more accidental run-ins, Olin started flirting outright. Jenny, we've got to stop bumping into each other like this. It's fate. I laughed, acting a little flustered. Maybe it's just that I'm trying to learn everything I can. Come join the development department as my assistant, he offered casually. I raised an eyebrow.

Me? I'm already leading major projects. You want me to be an assistant? He laughed. Ambitious little thing, aren't you? These kinds of guys, older, full of themselves, they like a challenge. But not too much.

Tease just enough, keep them guessing, and they'll do anything to keep your attention. Sure enough, he couldn't resist. He found an excuse to fire his current deputy and then approached my father, asking for me specifically. My father hesitated, worried about optics. He didn't want his wife, Delilah, catching wind of our connection. So I played my favorite card, the wounded daughter. Dad, am I always going to be a secret?

I'm just as much your child as Bella and Jamie. I just want a chance to prove myself. Yeah, I use Jamie's name again. Sorry, brother. I know he meant more to Dad than I ever did, and I knew that would hit him right in the guilt. After a long sigh, he gave in. He approved a temporary transfer to Nova's development department. And just like that, another piece of the puzzle clicked into place. To be continued.