Chapter 130

Chase's slaps left Nicole's cheeks swollen and red. Everyone felt sorry for her, but I thought it was insufficient. Given her actions, even death wouldn't be enough. I longed to regain my physical form, just to inflict the pain she had caused me.

My father fixated on his earlier words. "What do you mean the orchids were poisonous? Are you implying I would harm my own mother?" "Of course not," Chase replied. "But it's easy for someone with malicious intent to manipulate things. Consider this: why was Nicole alone with Grandma when she fell ill?"

Although my parents didn't fully understand, they began to consider Chase's point.

"It does seem like there are too many coincidences..." my mother murmured.

"Mom, Dad, I've explained what happened with Grandma, and shown you the evidence of Amanda's actions," Nicole protested. "I was only trying to help by asking my friends. How did it become my fault? Chase, if the orchids were poisonous, what does that have to do with anything? I'm just as distraught about my sister's disappearance, but I can't change anything. If even breathing is a mistake, then I'd rather die to atone for my sister!"

Overwhelmed with grief, Nicole rushed to the kitchen; my mother hurried after her.

Chase, his face contorted with anger, bellowed, "Mrs. Kennedy, don't worry. She won't die!"

But he underestimated Nicole. A truly ruthless person wouldn't spare themselves. The situation was dire, and I knew she would resort to self-harm. A scream from the kitchen shattered the tension. "Ms. Nicole, what are you doing? Put down the knife!"

Chaos erupted. By the time my mother arrived, she saw Nicole's wrist bleeding profusely, a servant wrestling the knife away.

"What are you doing!" My furious father pressed a towel to her wound. "Get her to the hospital."

My mother glared at Chase. "Is this what you wanted? You drove Amanda away, and now Nicole, too?"

Staring at the blood, Chase seemed lost in thought. He followed them to the hospital, encountering Robert and his team. He hurried to greet them respectfully.

"Officer Robert, have you found any new leads?"

Robert shook his head. "Ann isn't in good condition for questioning. Mr. Reyes, did Ann tell you her location, the time, the man's appearance, or the car involved?"

Chase sighed. "Sorry, I was too shocked to ask those details."

Robert patted his shoulder. "Mr. Reyes, let's stick to the facts. Your sighting of a figure was likely an illusion. We'll investigate thoroughly, get statements from everyone, including both families, and gather more details. You'll be updated."

"Thank you."

Watching Robert leave, Chase likely regretted not acting sooner. But there are no "ifs" in life.

I worried about Ann's condition—being hit by a car and thrown so far was a terrible ordeal. I suspected Nicole's involvement. If anything happened to her, it would be my fault.

Chase, sensing my thoughts perhaps, also headed for the ICU. He couldn't enter, but he saw Heather crying quietly. Her red eyes met his. "Mr. Reyes," she whispered, "the police were asking about Amanda. Is something wrong with Ms. Kennedy?"

After a moment's silence, Chase managed, "She's… missing."