Chapter 28

I couldn't understand why he was looking at the bracelet that way. The next thing I knew, I was clasped around his wrist, feeling his warmth. Chase had bought me. Was this fate? Even in death, I couldn't escape him.

As I stared blankly at the bustling crowd, a nagging thought persisted: would the truth of my death forever remain hidden? I was determined not to let that happen.

"One million!" Nicole's voice jolted me back to reality. I glanced toward the stage, where a high-definition screen displayed a book with ancient script. Something about the material felt wrong—it didn't look like paper. It had a faint shimmer, almost like… human skin.

Human skin! The man's chilling words about skinning flooded back. Could he have turned my skin into a book?

Driven by this horrifying thought, I drifted from the bracelet and, with trembling steps, approached the book. My soul slipped right in! This was my skin!

Fear, but no tears came. I was shattered. Who was my enemy? That man was so ruthless, not even sparing my corpse.

When Nicole showed interest in the book, Chase raised his bid. Even with a blessing, few dared compete because it was made of human skin. It sold for two million.

After the payment, a servant brought the book to Chase. My skin, polished and treated, looked smooth as silk. The ancient script seemed almost sacred. But Chase frowned, his unease evident.

"Nicole, this book is made of human skin. A blessing can't change that. I think it has a bad vibe. We should donate it," he suggested.

Nicole shrugged it off with a carefree smile. "Relax, Chase. Human skin books are usually made from the skin of virtuous donors and blessed in holy light. It'll bring health and happiness. Grandma will love it."

Grandma? Nicole knew Grandma loved me most, and yet she wanted to give her a book made from my skin. I went wild, lunging at Nicole. "Nicole, why wasn't it you who died?"

My hands passed right through her; she didn't feel a thing. Her eyes, however, held a mocking glint. She knew I was dead all along!

As the auction ended, snowflakes swirled in the sky. I stood beneath it, shouting in anger, "Why is this happening to me!"

After living a kind life, why was I facing such misery while wicked people walked free? Why couldn't I become a vengeful spirit and make them pay?

Perhaps my resentment was too strong, for the wind grew colder, howling fiercely.

"It's freezing," Nicole muttered, snuggling into Chase's arms.

Chase gently pushed her away. "Nicole, people might see us!"

She stamped her foot. "But I'm really cold."

Unable to let her freeze, Chase took off his coat and wrapped it around her, saying patiently, "The driver will be here soon."

After getting into the car, Nicole teased, "Tomorrow's Grandma's birthday; make sure you're there early!"

"Yeah, yeah. Drive safe," he replied.

Once Nicole was gone, Chase climbed into the car.

"Mr. Reyes, are you heading back to the Reyes family estate, or…?"

Chase rubbed his tired brow. "To my place. Amanda should be back by now."