Chapter 69

I stood by my grandmother's bedside, watching her drift off to sleep. I existed as a ghostly presence, devoid of sensation and fatigue—a silent observer in the world of the living. Since my death, I'd lost count of the sunrises and sunsets, simply waiting.

The one advantage? I was no longer tethered to Chase. As long as my ashes remained nearby, I could roam freely. Wait… ashes. A thought struck me. Could this ability help me locate my own remains? Perhaps even identify my killer?

I squeezed my eyes shut, focusing on finding the other pieces of myself. When I opened them, my surroundings had dramatically changed. I was back at the Kennedy family home, a place indelibly etched in my memory.

In the living room, Mom rubbed her temples. Nicole entered with a bowl, saying, "Mom, you know how Grandma is. Don't stress; it's not worth jeopardizing your health."

The bowl was identical to Grandma's, and it ignited my anger. Nicole's callousness stung. How could she treat her own family this way? Our parents adored her; why this behavior?

Nicole placed a bowl of chicken soup on the coffee table. "Mom, I know you haven't been feeling well, so I made this for you."

Mom opened her eyes. "Nicole, you're such a thoughtful daughter. Unlike Amanda, that ungrateful brat. She's been gone for days without a word."

A flicker of worry crossed Mom's face.

"Mom, it's my fault. If I hadn't called Chase, she wouldn't have stormed off. Once she returns, I'll go abroad so she won't be upset."

"Don't be silly. There's nothing wrong with calling Chase. It's her fault for being so sensitive and leaving over nothing." The worry vanished as Mom comforted Nicole, assuring her it wasn't her fault—it was mine.

"But Mom, I'm really worried about her. She's all alone. What if she gets into trouble? Shouldn't we be looking for her?"

"If she gets into trouble, that's on her," Mom replied coldly. "She chose to leave. You picked her up once, and if she thinks she can leave every time she's upset, who has time for that? We're adults—she needs to stop involving the family in her drama."

Nicole's feigned concern was met with a pretense of caring. My twenty-day disappearance was merely an inconvenience. If I were alive, I'd demand a DNA test. How could my mother be so indifferent?

As they spoke, Dad and my brother entered, returning from an event, their faces flushed, eyes slightly glazed—they'd clearly been drinking.

"Why is everyone still up?" Dad asked, handing his coat to a servant.

"It's about the shares. Mom's adamant about leaving them all to Amanda."

My brother sank onto the couch, sipping water offered by the servant. "Grandma always doted on Amanda. It makes sense she wouldn't change her mind. Anyway, the company's doing well. Dad and I discussed it, and we've decided to transfer some of our shares—including Mom's, Dad's, and mine—to Nicole."

Chapter 70