My Cousin Destroyed My Grandmother’s House out of Spite — but Karma Made Her Pay

I’m Elena, 27, a freelance illustrator who grew up in my grandmother Lily’s cottage after losing my mom at six. Gran raised me with love, cinnamon rolls, and strength. When she passed, her will left me the house—a modest two-bedroom filled with her memory.

My cousin Lydia, who never lifted a finger for Gran, called one day claiming she needed “important documents” from the house. Trusting her, I left the key under the mat. When I returned, I found devastation. Trash everywhere. Grease on the carpets. And worst of all, Gran’s bedroom vandalized—walls smeared with paint, her bed shredded, feathers floating like ashes.

When I confronted Lydia, she coldly admitted: “It should have been mine. So I made sure you wouldn’t enjoy it.”

I cleaned for days, hired painters, replaced furniture—thousands spent to erase her cruelty. But I didn’t stop there. I gathered receipts, photos, and texts, then filed a case. Weeks later, the court ruled in my favor. Lydia was ordered to repay every cent.

The first time her begrudging checks arrived, I smiled. Justice was served.

Gran was right—I was stronger than I thought. And in the end, Lydia didn’t win.