Chapter 161

“Dad, catch you later.”

I said goodbye politely and wheeled Derek away. Reaching the elevator, I feigned confusion. “Which floor are you on?”

“Third floor.”

I pressed the button, and Derek asked, “Did you have a good relationship with your grandfather?”

If anyone else had asked, it would have been casual chitchat. But from him, it felt loaded, requiring careful consideration. Having no memories of this body’s past or her relationship with her grandfather, I played it cool. “Pretty good, I guess.”

The elevator doors opened, and I quickly ushered him out, casually asking for directions to his room. Only inside his room did it strike me: although I’d been to the Reyes family home many times, this was my first time in Derek’s room.

I glanced around, my curiosity piqued. “Mr. Reyes, your room is really spacious… Ah!”

He unexpectedly grabbed my uninjured wrist, making me yelp and frown. “Mr. Reyes, what’s going on?”

Derek’s eyes were devoid of emotion as he scrutinized my face. Finally, he said, “Your grandfather has been dead for over ten years. How can you have a good relationship with someone who’s long gone?”

I regretted making Derek my partner. He was sharper than I’d imagined. I worried he’d uncover my true identity before I could exact my revenge! If someone so peripherally connected could spot something amiss, how could I face anyone from my past?

I recalled a tactic Nicole used. Once, crying on demand was difficult, but now, thinking about my past brought tears like a string of broken pearls.

“Mr. Reyes, my grandfather adored me as a child. Even though he’s been gone for years, I’ve never forgotten him. Do you dislike me? Why do you question every word I say?”

My tears splashed onto his hand as I looked down, feigning distress, though inside, I panicked. What if he was tricking me, claiming my grandfather wasn’t dead to expose a lie? I’d have a heart attack.

Luckily, he had a conscience and didn’t press further. “Sorry, did I scare you?”

I rubbed my eyes. “No, it’s just that not being trusted feels awful. I’ve told you I’m genuinely willing to marry you. Can you please stop doubting me?”

“Alright.” His expression softened. “Let’s see if there’s anything else that needs changing.”

“Sure.”

I pretended to offer suggestions, carefully avoiding my past preferences and decorating it more to a young girl’s taste. By noon, a servant announced the Chase’s return.

My heart raced. It was finally time to meet them!

Derek remained calm, his thoughts unreadable. I wheeled him downstairs, and as the elevator doors opened, there they were—the despicable couple in the living room!

Nicole wore a white coat, her hair softly curled; she looked the picture of elegance and modesty. To anyone, she seemed an innocent angel. Hearing our arrival, she smiled. “I heard Derek brought his wife home. I was curious to see which family’s daughter had managed to catch our exceptional Derek’s eye…”

Her gaze fell on my face, and the gift bag in her hand dropped, her smile freezing. I strutted toward her in my high heels, pushing Derek every step of the way.

Stopping before her, I extended my hand with a smile. “Hi, I’m Amelia.”

Long time no see!