Chapter 69  I stood by the bedside, watching my grandma drift off to sleep. I was in this ghostly form, with no senses and no fatigue–just a silent observer in the world of the living. Since the moment I died, I’d lost track of how many nights I’d watched the sun set and rise again, just waiting  The one upside? I wasn’t stuck to Chase’s side anymore. As long as my ashes were nearby, I could roam around freely. Wait, ashes… at thought hit me out of nowhere. Could this ability help me find my own remains? Maybe even figure out who killed me?  I squeezed my eyes shut, focusing on trying to find the other pieces of my body. When I opened them again, the view had changed dramatically. I’d done it–I was back at the Kennedy family home, a place etched into my memory  In the living room, Mom was rubbing her temples. Nicole walked in with a bowl and said, “Mom, you know how grandma is. Don’t stress about her; it’s not worth risking your health.”  The bowl in Mom’s hands was just like Grandma’s, and it stung me with anger. Nicole was being heartless. How could she treat her dyr family like this? Our parents adored her, so why act this way?  Nicole set down a bowl of chicken soup on the coffee table. “Mom, I know you’ve been feeling under the weather, so I made this just for you.”  Mom opened her eyes and said, “Nicole, you’re such a thoughtful daughter. You are not like Amanda, that ungrateful brat. She’s been gone for days without a word.”  At that moment, I saw a flicker of worry on Mom’s face.  “Mom, it’s my fault. If I hadn’t called Chase, she wouldn’t have stormed off. Once she’s back, I’ll head abroad so she won’t be upset.” “Don’t be silly. There’s nothing wrong with calling Chase. It’s her own fault for being so sensitive and leaving over nothing.” The worry on Mom’s face disappeared as she comforted Nicole, assuring her that none of this was her fault–it was mine. “But Mom, I’m really worried about her. She’s all alone out there. What if she gets into trouble? Shouldn’t we be looking for her?” “If she finds herself in a mess, that’s on her,” Mom replied coldly. “She chose to leave. You picked her up once, and if she thinks she can up and leave every time she’s upset, who’s got time for that? We’re adults–she needs to stop dragging the family into her drama.” Nicole’s display of concern was met with a flurry of activity from everyone pretending to care. My disappearance for over twenty days was just a nuisance in their eyes. If I were still alive, I’d demand a DNA test. How could my mom be so indifferent?  As they talked, Dad and my brother walked in. They’d come back from some event, faces flushed and eyes a bit glazed–they’d clearly had a few drinks.  “Why’s everyone still up?” Dad asked, handing his coat to the servant.  “It’s about the shares. Mom’s adamant about leaving them all to Amanda,”  My brother sank into the couch and sipping the water the servant handed him. “Grandma’s always doted on Amanda. It makes sense she wouldn’t want to budge. Anyway, the company’s been doing well lately. Dad and I talked it over, and we’ve decided to transfer some of our shares–including mine, Mom’s, and Dad’s–to Nicole.”  Chapter 70