Chapter 163

She lurked in the shadows, hissing like a viper, her gaze fixed on me—utterly revolting! The moment our eyes met, that sinister look vanished, replaced by an innocent façade.

“I’m sorry, Amelia. You remind me so much of my sister; it startled me.”

Nicole, ever composed, quickly gathered her bag and offered a gentle smile. “Nice to meet you, Amelia. A small gift for you. I hope you like it.”

What a deceptive smile! Who would suspect such sweetness could mask such spite against an elderly woman? But there was no hurry—I would ensure she received retribution in due time. Everything she had done to Grandma, to me, and to my unborn child… I would repay it all!

The thought of the future sweetened my own smile. “I resemble your sister? What a coincidence. Thank you! I rushed here and didn’t bring a gift. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course not! We’re practically family now. No need for formalities.”

“I just returned and am still finding my way around. Nicole, you’ll have to look out for me.”

I took Nicole’s hand warmly, chatting innocently. Meanwhile, Chase watched me intently, as if searching for traces of the old Amanda beneath my younger guise.

This body was only twenty, a few years younger than Nicole. I was a flower in bloom, vibrant with youthful energy. Last year, visiting Chase, I overheard Nicole clinging to his neck, complaining, “My sister’s almost thirty. She’s so gloomy and dull. Isn’t working on spreadsheets with her boring?”

Chase playfully tapped her nose. “She might not be as lively as you, but with you, I feel younger.”

What a joke! I toiled tirelessly on his projects, while he enjoyed my efforts and flirted with another woman. I wondered what Nicole would think now that I was even younger and prettier.

“Of course, as long as you don’t mind my chatter,” she replied, her face radiating goodwill.

I blinked. “Oh, Nicole, do you know about Applewood Estate?”

Her expression shifted slightly. “Yes, that’s Chase’s marital home.”

I clapped my hands. “Perfect!”

Nicole eyed me curiously. “What’s up, Amelia?”

“Dad asked where we plan to buy our marital home. I found this property and thought it was lovely, so I wanted to ask you about it. Since it’s Chase’s, even better.”

I turned to Chase, beaming. “Chase, can I see your place? I’m thinking of buying it for Derek and me, and it would be great to get some decorating ideas.”

Chase remained silent, clearly hesitant. After all, he and Nicole had shared intimate moments there, and he didn’t want anyone else snooping around, even though he’d erased all traces. He still worried about someone uncovering something.

I moved closer. My voice was soft and playful. “I’m terrible at decorating, so getting some ideas from your place would be amazing, Chase. Please? Can you show me around?”