Chapter 180

If she only wanted Chase, she could have stopped after I died. The Kennedy family has already given her considerable wealth since my return. So why is she still pressuring Grandma to relinquish her shares? And those things she said to Grandma—it's as if she despises me, but her hatred for Grandma runs even deeper. There must be a larger scheme at play.

Derek's eyes flashed with anger. "The police are investigating, and I'm sure we'll have answers soon." He sighed. "Although, even if we catch the culprit, it won't bring her back. It all feels so pointless."

"How can you say that? Ms. Kennedy was brutally murdered. If we don't find her killer, she'll never find peace! Catching the killer will allow her to rest."

Perhaps I was overly emotional, because Derek gave me a curious look. "You and Amanda didn't know each other. Why are you so invested?"

Except for that momentary lapse, he's always sharp and clear-headed, unlike the gullible Chase. Chase believes any story Nicole tells him.

Derek's probing gaze made me uneasy. For a moment, I almost blurted out that I was Amanda. I swallowed the words back. Even with rebirth giving me an advantage, with Nicole in the open and me in the shadows, I can't risk my plan by speaking too much. Derek hasn't harmed me before, but he's still an outsider. One slip, and it's all over.

I kept my face composed, showing only righteous anger. "Ms. Kennedy died a horrible death. I want to help find her killer."

Derek seemed about to speak, but a knock interrupted us. Jack's voice called, "Sir, the butler is here."

Derek was distraught and likely didn't want anyone to see him like that, so I took the initiative. "I'll get it."

He tried to stop me, but I squeezed his hand. "I'm going to be your wife soon. Let me handle this."

He looked at me for a long moment, then nodded with a resigned sigh. "Alright."

I stood, straightened my clothes, and opened the door with a smile. The ever-serious butler stood there. "Derek is freshening up. I'll relay any messages."

"Tonight is Amanda's funeral. She was a Reyes, after all. Young Master Derek is known for his reserve and didn't really know Ms. Kennedy, but the old gentleman hopes he'll attend to avoid gossip."

To the outside world, Derek is perceived as cold and distant, so skipping the funeral wouldn't be surprising. I nodded quickly. "Don't worry. Derek and I will be there to pay our respects."

"Thank you."

The butler left, and I closed the door, my heart pounding. I turned to Derek, who remained on the floor. "You heard that, right?"

He kept his head down, lost in thought, then said softly, "Don't worry, I'll go… to see her off one last time…"

I wasn't sure if I imagined it, but his voice seemed to tremble on those last words. And me? I couldn't wait to see the Kennedy family's reaction. They always said they'd be happy if I died. Now that I am, will they truly feel that way?

I held Derek's hand tightly. "I'll go to Ms. Kennedy's funeral with you, alright?"