Chapter 108

Chase and Derek had devised a plan, starting with Nicole. Even though Derek couldn't see me, I whispered, "Thank you, Derek," in his ear before leaving. I'd been so afraid earlier, but he wasn't nearly as cold-hearted as the rumors suggested.

Just as Chase closed the door, I thought I heard a faint sigh, "Amanda..."

I froze. Had I imagined it? When I listened more closely, silence reigned.

Chase discovered Nicole was staying with the Kennedys. He snuck into her room, hoping to find traces of me. Since reconnecting with the Kennedys, Nicole had been less present with the Reyes family. It seemed she'd visit them whenever Chase was away on business, returning to the Reyes home only when he was present, playing the perfect family member. Remarkable time management!

Opening Nicole's door, I saw a room decked out in pink, strewn with childish toys. It exuded innocence and whimsy, but I knew better. It was all a façade.

This was my first time in Nicole's room at the Reyes' house, and I was eager to find clues. Besides a photo frame on her bedside table showing her and Chase, a massive mural of them together dominated the wall behind the bed—nearly covering it entirely. The last time I'd seen something so ostentatious was on a reality show featuring a celebrity's self-portraits plastered across their living room.

Nicole usually made the moves; Chase had never been in her room before. Even he seemed taken aback by the painting. Who else but a couple would display such a prominent picture of themselves in their bedroom?

Remembering his purpose, Chase began searching. My eyes scanned for anything suspicious. I crouched before a giant teddy bear for a closer look. There, hidden in the bear's eyes, was a camera! Who installs cameras in their own bedroom? Clearly, Nicole had been cautious from the start; I bet her phone buzzed the moment Chase entered.

I wanted to shout at Chase to leave, but he couldn't hear me. He opened a drawer filled with knick-knacks, many of which I recognized as his gifts. He ran his fingers over them, his expression a mixture of emotions.

After thoroughly searching the room, he found nothing. Then, opening a row of large wardrobes, he discovered it—a black door nestled within the pink wardrobe, a stark contrast. What secrets did it hold?

Adrenaline surged. Could it contain the truth about my death? Or perhaps another piece of me? After everything, I could no longer see Nicole in the same light.

Chase touched the door; it was password-protected. A voice prompt announced his fingerprint didn't match. He racked his brain for a possible password. He tried her birthday, but it was incorrect. One more wrong guess, and the system would lock him out.

Chase was clearly nervous. This stealthy activity was unfamiliar territory. Just then, a woman's voice cut through the tension: "Chase, what are you doing in my..."