She opened her jewelry box — one I’d seen a thousand times — and took out an envelope. Inside were black-and-white photos, a handwritten letter, and a notarized paper. She smiled.

“This is your mother’s will, dear. She made sure that ring would be protected. I told her Daniel might pull something like this.”

The letter detailed the ring’s lineage and named me — me — as the next heir. Grandma had kept it safe just in case.

The next day, Grandma and I visited a lawyer. With the will in hand, we filed a formal demand for the ring’s return. The lawyer sent a legal notice to Daniel and Emily. Turns out, flaunting stolen heirlooms online makes it easier to prove possession.

Daniel tried to argue — said Mom never finalized her will. But the notarized document shut him down cold. Within a week, Emily tearfully handed the ring back, and Daniel avoided eye contact.

As I slid the ring onto my finger, I felt a wave of warmth — like Mom was right there with me.

Moral of the story: Never underestimate a grieving daughter — or a prepared grandmother. Heirlooms carry history, love, and power. Steal one, and karma will collect.