Chapter 162

Nicole stood like a statue, her shoulders trembling slightly. Normally unflappable, her reaction today was extreme. Could anyone blame her? While others speculated about my supposed demise, she had been intimately involved, even taking photographs of my body. Seeing someone so like me—especially with me wearing a bright red coat—must have felt like seeing a ghost. That she didn't scream was miraculous.

I wasn't handling it much better. For over a month, I'd observed everything as an omniscient observer, but Nicole stirred my emotions most profoundly. Her actions against my grandmother had ignited a furious thirst for revenge. If I couldn't haunt her from the afterlife, I would do it myself.

Facing her again, I barely contained my emotions: excitement, anger, anticipation. My eyes fell to her neck; I yearned to snap it. Then I looked at her stiff fingers, remembering how she'd chopped off mine to torment my grandmother. I fantasized about reciprocating. And that deceitful mouth? Nothing seemed sufficient!

Buzzing with the thought of revenge, I smiled. "You must be Ms. Kennedy, Chase's wife, right? I've heard about your love story—childhood sweethearts who endured the years. Chase truly embodies devotion!"

Nicole snapped back to reality; Chase's face paled. Patricia interjected quickly, "No, you're mistaken. She's Amanda's sister, Nicole. They're siblings, not a couple."

With feigned surprise, I replied, "Oh, my apologies. Ms. Kennedy seemed so close to Chase, I assumed. You two do look a pair. But I'm curious—how is Ms. Kennedy your daughter? Isn't she part of the Kennedy family?"

"That's a long story; she was lost, and I took her in for a while."

I nodded. "So, they're not blood relatives?"

"Obviously not," Patricia snapped, impatient.

With a sly smile, I added, "Well, if they're not blood relatives, marriage isn't out of the question."

"That's absurd!" Chase exclaimed, his face crimson, clearly rattled.

"Ms. Amelia, please refrain from such remarks. Consider the Reyes family reputation! You're part of it, so it's not in your best interest either."

I offered a contrite smile. "Sorry, Chase. I didn't know the full story. My apologies." Inside, I smirked. Now you worry about appearances? Where was that concern when you were with Nicole? I'd practiced this smile; it was almost perfect. Only the small red mole between my eyebrows gave me away. Chase stared, mumbling, "Amanda, Amanda…"

Nicole's eyes locked onto mine, the intensity of a striking snake.

Chapter 163