Chapter 22

Chase looked up sharply. "Dad, why would you think that about me and Nicole? She's just my sister."

Davin wore the expression of someone who had seen it all before. "Honestly, have you even considered Amanda these past two years? You drop everything the moment Nicole calls. You even forgot about your own wedding."

"That's because Nicole's health is so fragile. She could be in danger at any moment."

"You know exactly what her condition is. Even if it did become serious, it would be over quickly, and rushing there wouldn't make a difference. Besides, how many times has she pretended it was life-threatening? Yet, it always works on you. Why would you leave Amanda hanging if you didn't care so much?"

The truth was obvious, and Chase's face flushed with embarrassment.

"So, you all think I care more about Nicole than Amanda?"

"Isn't that the truth?"

Davin didn't want to argue. "You and Amanda have been together since childhood. It's normal to crave excitement after so long. I understand. Just keep things in check and focus on your marriage. Having a child with her soon could make amends for any mistakes."

Davin patted his son's shoulder reassuringly. "Bring her back from Cloudville soon. A happy home is the foundation for everything else. Plus, you've seen it—Derek's back to challenge the inheritance. You know how much your grandfather favors Amanda. You can't upset him now. Do you really want to hand over the Reyes family fortune? Think it over."

Davin's words struck a nerve, and Chase immediately called his assistant. "Book me a flight to Cloudville for tomorrow morning."

"Right away, Mr. Reyes."

"And make sure all of Amanda's trending topics are pulled."

The assistant hesitated. "If we're removing your wife's, should we also take down Ms. Nicole's?"

Even the assistant thought Chase favored Nicole, causing him to snap, "Do you think Nicole's reputation is more important than my wife's?"

"No, I just..." The assistant was startled, knowing Chase's usual preference.

"No more mistakes, or you're out."

Chase hung up, deep in thought, wondering, "Am I really treating her that badly?"

He tried calling again, but it was still disconnected. The guilt in his eyes flashed briefly, and I heard him mutter, "You've got such a temper. Nicole is way better than you."

Once, I might have felt sorry for him, but after everything, I'm numb. All I hope for is that he gets to Cloudville soon and uncovers the truth about my death.

The phone rang again. The assistant spoke cautiously. "Mr. Reyes, your trip to Cloudville is arranged. But the trending topics have already been removed."

"By whom?"

"I inquired, and it was someone from the Reyes family. They cleared it completely from all platforms in no time, leaving no trace. They say it cost fifty million in PR fees. Who else but your grandfather could pull that off?"

A pit formed in Chase's stomach. Besides Ryan, there was one other person.

Could it be him?