Chapter 294

People like Jace and Tanya preyed on those they perceived as defenseless. They treated me this way because my silence and indifference led them to believe I was an easy target, never realizing it stemmed from apathy. But if they wanted to see me as weak, it was time to show them that even the quietest knife possessed a sharp edge.

My words instantly darkened Jace's expression. "Rea…"

"Let. Go," I snapped.

He still held on, his grip tight. "I'm not blaming you. I just… wanted to let you know."

"Are you trying to provoke me?" Each word was a dagger, aimed to wound deeply. "Save it. I don't want to hear it."

Jace's jaw clenched, a vein pulsing at his temple. He was fighting to remain calm. His gaze… In the past, he would have left. But today, he didn't. He held my gaze before finally saying, "The amusement park is opening as planned. I want you to be there."

My breath hitched, refusal catching in my throat. That park wasn't just a project—it meant everything to me. I'd always imagined standing there on opening day, at the highest point, telling Dad all about it.

"If you don't want to go because of me, I'll stay away that day," Jace said quietly, sensing my hesitation. It was almost heartbreaking, how hard he was trying.

I looked at him. "That's not necessary."

Then I twisted the knife a little deeper. "You stopped affecting me a long time ago."

His face blanked, then he muttered, his voice rough, "Do you have to stab me in the heart to feel better?"

I was done arguing. I reached for the car door. "I have things to do."

"Will you go?" he asked, still holding on.

"We'll see," I said, yanking the door open. He finally released his grip, and it slammed shut. Through the window, I saw him flinch and take a step back.

I started the car and drove off. In the rearview mirror, Jace stood there, looking like a man who'd realized too late the extent of his blunder.

I let out a long breath as I pulled out of the parking lot. Glancing at the documents on the passenger seat, I accelerated toward a quiet, empty spot where I could be alone.

Taking a deep breath, I picked up the accident report and began to read, page by page.

The more I read, the more my hands shook. Finally, I had to close my eyes, my whole body trembling violently. I think I finally understood why Matthew and Lindsey didn't want me to see this. They were afraid I couldn't handle it. And now, I wasn't so sure they were wrong.

The report included photographs from the scene. Even in black and white, the details were horrifying; I felt like I was going to shatter. Cold sweat drenched my skin. I dug my nails into my palms, but it offered no relief.

I never imagined my parents had died like that—their bodies mangled beyond recognition. If it weren't for their names on the report, I wouldn't have believed it was them.

My phone buzzed, but I was too numb to care.

I forced myself to continue reading, but my hands shook so badly I could barely hold the papers. Black spots blurred my vision, and I knew I'd reached my limit. The shock was overwhelming; I couldn't bear it. My hand fumbled for my phone, but everything began to fade.

Somewhere in the distance, I heard someone calling my name, but I couldn't respond. I drifted into a nightmare—my parents, the car crash, and something too painful to confront.

I screamed, unable to contain it. "Kiki! Kiki…" A soft, gentle voice tried to pull me back. In my mind, I saw my parents' faces. "Kiki, let's have gnocchi with cumin and ground beef for lunch, okay?"