Chapter 1

The property manager, Arthur Thorne, was pushing the neighbors to dig out a massive basement complex. He was looking for a kickback, promising everyone it would skyrocket our property values.

But as a geologist with ten years of field experience, I saw the truth immediately.

There was a high-pressure subterranean aquifer right beneath our foundations. If they broke the seal, the entire gated community would collapse into a sinkhole.

In my previous life, I went door to door, begging them to listen. They called me crazy.

I eventually called the police to force a construction halt, saving us from a total disaster.

But Arthur turned everyone against me. "It was that busybody geologist! She's just jealous of our profits and cut off our road to wealth!"

The mob was furious. He led a group of homeowners to my front door.

In the chaos, Arthur grabbed my son, Leo, and sprinted toward the balcony. He let go.

My little boy fell from the tenth floor.

The neighbors stood in a united front, lying to the police. They all claimed the child was just playing and accidentally slipped.

My world was destroyed. With nothing left to live for, I chose to end my life.

But then, I opened my eyes. I was back at that fateful homeowners' meeting.

This time, as the property manager ranted about the gold mine beneath our feet, I was the first one to clap.

"Mr. Thorne is absolutely right!"

"I suggest we don't just dig. We should go even deeper! Let's all get rich together!"

1

"Nora Sterling, do you have something to say this time?"

Arthur Thorne tapped the table impatiently.

"Last time, you were the only one causing trouble and stopping everyone from making money."

Hearing those exact words again made my head spin. Memories of my past life rushed back like a tidal wave.

After I died, my soul had lingered above the pavement.

Leo was lying on the cold concrete in a pool of blood, his tiny body broken.

I had screamed, trying to pick him up, but I only passed through him like mist.

In that life, I had stood up at this very meeting to stop them.

"The hydrology of this area is complex. There's a high-pressure underground river!" I had warned.

"If you dig three levels down, you'll breach the confining layer. The pressure will destroy the foundation, and the whole building will collapse!"

But Arthur had pointed a finger at my face. "Nora, stop with the fear-mongering! The crew we hired are the real professionals!"

My neighbor, Brenda Vance, had chimed in too. "Exactly. Stop holding us back! Do you know how much the property value will jump with extra parking?"

Arthur's voice was still echoing in the room, full of fake passion.

"...If we dig three levels down, every unit gets at least one more spot. You can even rent out the extras!"

"This isn't just about convenience. It's about asset appreciation! I guarantee the prices in Azure Bay Estates will double within three years!"

Leo's small hand gripped my shirt. He could sense my body was stiff with tension.

"Mommy, what's wrong?"

I looked at his sweet, living face, and my heart felt like it was being shredded.

The neighbors were already completely sold on Arthur's lies.

"Arthur is right! Parking spots are worth more than cars these days!"

"It's way too crowded here. We should have dug years ago!"

Brenda was the first to stand up and support him. "I've been saying this forever. I'm with Mr. Thorne! This is a win for all of us!"

I closed my eyes. When I opened them, every ounce of grief was locked away.

Seeing me silent for so long, Brenda rolled her eyes and took another shot at me.

"Nora, do you just hate seeing us succeed?"

"Arthur is doing us a favor. Can you stop being so negative for once?"

"Do you think you're the only expert? You think you know more than a professional construction crew?"

The surrounding neighbors began to whisper and sneer.

"She's always like this. Remember when she opposed the elevator upgrade? Claiming it would affect the load-bearing walls."

"Her family only has one car, so she doesn't care. We have three. We're sick of looking for street parking every night!"

"So selfish. How did someone like her even end up in our neighborhood?"

Amidst the noise, I slowly stood up.

Everyone's eyes locked onto me. They expected me to start my usual lecture.

Arthur's brow furrowed in annoyance.

Instead, I broke into a wide smile and started clapping loudly.

The sound of my applause was sharp in the quiet meeting room. Everyone froze.

I raised my voice, my tone more enthusiastic than I had ever been.

"Mr. Thorne is right! I support this one hundred percent! Let's dig early and let everyone get rich!"