Chapter 30

The Torrs' bad behavior meant that, as the rightful grandson, I would end up under a bastard. Wouldn't that be the talk of the town? Devin, sewing that night, added fuel to the fire. "Sure, he's got more money than you," he said, "but you have two things going for you: Grandpa's affection for Amanda, and you. If you two have a child soon, Grandpa will take care of the child and Amanda."

"Right," I replied. "Treat Amanda well tonight, and keep your distance from Nicole. Tomorrow is your best shot."

"Dad, I get it now. I won't mess up again," I assured him.

I sat on the terrace, catching snowflakes as they danced down, a cold smile playing on my lips. It was too late for second thoughts. How could a dead person offer forgiveness? I had come to terms with my state of limbo. I was simply observing, waiting to see if karma would catch up with Chase.

After Devin left, Chase was worried sick. Derek's return was a clear threat. He kept calling me, his agitated voice betraying his anxiety. In the dark of night, I heard him murmur, "Amanda, how long are you going to keep this up?" Even then, he hadn't figured it out, still believing it was all my doing. Whenever restless, Chase fidgeted with the beads in his hands, as if they could soothe his nerves. My soul was intertwined with his, making me feel more than ever before. But after seeing him with Nicole, his touch now made my skin crawl.

The next day, Chase arrived in a dark suit, wearing the tie I had given him and carrying a gift for Grandma. He made his way to the Kennedy family home. His assistant politely inquired, "Mr. Reyes, has your wife returned?"

Chase felt a chill but replied calmly, "She must have returned to the Kennedy home. She cares deeply for Grandma and would have come back early to check on her illness." He assumed my lack of contact was due to lingering resentment.

The birthday party was scheduled for the evening, and it was still early; no other guests were at the Kennedy mansion. Nicole had been waiting since morning and approached him immediately upon his arrival. "Chase, you're finally here."

Seeing him in a black suit, Nicole pouted. "Chase, why are you in black again? You look so old and dreary, like an old man. I got you a new designer suit last month; why not wear that?" The suit Nicole mentioned had the same pattern as her outfit, a clear indication of her desire for matching attire.

Remembering his father's warning from the previous night, Chase gently removed her hand from his arm. "Nicole, you're not a kid anymore. We should keep our distance to avoid gossip."

Nicole was taken aback by Chase's sudden coldness, especially after his attentiveness the day before. "Chase, I just…" "Alright, I'm off to see Grandma," Chase said, unusually dismissive, and quickly walked away, missing Nicole's spiteful glare. He hurried into the courtyard, quickly found a servant, and asked, "Has Ms. Kennedy returned?"

The servant, assuming he meant Nicole, nodded. "She came in early this morning. Didn't you see her?"

Chase was elated, convinced Amanda wouldn't let a disagreement keep her from her grandmother. He rushed towards the inner room.