Chapter 129

“Nicole, my sweet daughter…” My father, usually easygoing with Chase due to the Reyes family’s influence, was genuinely enraged. “Chase, you’ve crossed a line. I understand you’re stressed about Amanda’s disappearance, but Nicole has always treated you like a brother. How could you do this to her? She was only trying to help find Amanda, and now she’s being blamed? My daughter is not here for you to vent your frustrations on.”

Witnessing my father defend Nicole so fiercely was a surprise. I never imagined him capable of such unwavering support for his daughter. But it wasn't for me. I touched my cheek, recalling Chase striking me before my father. He’d said I deserved it, that I had it coming. I closed my eyes, visualizing his cold indifference as he stood by, unconcerned because it didn't affect him. Family affection? A joke. My father was ready to disown me over a photograph—how could he possibly care about me? The warmth of his visit to Shadowmoor vanished instantly.

My parents helped Nicole to the living room, my mother instructing the maid to fetch ice for Nicole’s face. She grumbled, “Has Chase lost his mind? Why is he blaming her?”

Through her tears, Nicole replied, “Mom, I don’t blame him. He’s just upset because he can’t find Amanda. I understand how he feels.”

“You’re far too understanding,” my mother sighed, wrapping ice in a towel and dismissing the maid before gently applying it to Nicole’s face. My father then summoned Chase for a serious conversation.

Once the maid left, Chase confronted my father with a cold stare. “Mr. Kennedy, traces of poison were found in the orchids in Grandma’s hospital room. Are you suggesting you did it?”

“That’s absurd! Why would I poison anyone?” My father had always been kind to my grandmother.

Chase abruptly approached Nicole. “Ever since she returned, she’s been the one suffering. Amanda became… unforgivable. What was Amanda like before she disappeared?”

My mother’s expression reflected contemplation. I used to be gentle, caring, and understanding. Everyone praised me as a daughter and a girlfriend. My parents adored me, and my brothers spoiled me.

“Why did she change?” my mother whispered.

“It wasn’t Amanda who changed, but her,” Chase declared, pointing at Nicole. “It was her, step by step, that turned us against Amanda. You interfered every time things were good between me and Amanda, even on our wedding night. I was supposed to find Amanda, but you! You kept stopping me!” The old Chase had been blinded, but apparently, he wasn't entirely oblivious.

Nicole shook her head frantically. “Chase, I didn’t stop you, I…”

She attempted to explain, but Chase, without warning, slapped her again. “You’re crying again. Why are you always crying? Your tears annoy me now! This won’t work on me anymore! If it weren’t for you blocking me, I would have found Amanda, and she wouldn’t be in trouble. Nicole, I’ll tell you this, if anything happens to Amanda, you’ll answer for it!”