12:01

Chapter 86

Seeing such a gruesome scene made Grandma uneasy, but with my life on the line, she swallowed her discomfort. "Do you honestly think showing me some random prop will make me believe that's Amanda? Nicole, I'm not some naive teenager!" While they argued, I couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen. One glance, and I knew that finger was mine; however, it was clearly not severed today.

Nicole zoomed in. "Grandma, don't you recognize your own granddaughter's finger? Or is your eyesight failing? See that deep scar? She got it last year playing the violin."

"What scar? Nicole, just give up."

"Grandma, you won't believe it until it's too late."

Nicole looked down, typing on her phone. Another photo appeared—a picture of my face, just as I'd seen it in that secret room. Thanks to some special grease, despite being dead for days, there was no sign of livor mortis. I looked as if merely sleeping. This was the photo Grandma saw.

"Amanda?" she whispered, beginning to believe Nicole. "What have you done to Amanda? Why are her eyes closed?"

Nicole remained unfazed. "She probably passed out from the pain. Grandma, don't blame me. Had you handed over the shares earlier, none of this would have happened."

Grandma, clutching Nicole's collar, shouted, "You maniac, she's your sister! How could you cut off her finger? How is she supposed to live now?"

Nicole's gaze was icy. Grandma didn't understand, but I did. She was saying I had no future, but she still needed me; therefore, she wouldn't reveal the full truth.

Nicole sneered. "I'll count to three, and if you don't answer, I'll have someone chop off another finger. When both hands are gone, there are always her feet and plenty of joints to break. Want to see how long she can hold out?"

"One..."

Before she finished, Grandma said, "I need to see Amanda before I sign anything." She was still holding back.

Nicole laid the share transfer agreement on the table, appearing indifferent. "Sign it, and I'll bring her back. And you must promise not to breathe a word about today. If I could harm Amanda once, I can do it again. But she might not be so lucky next time."

Grandma stared, unable to believe she was being outmaneuvered by such a young girl. With anyone else, Grandma might have remained calm, but with me involved, she'd lost all reason. Looking into Nicole's eyes, seeing the endless ambition, she reluctantly gave in. "Fine, I'll sign it. But if I don't see Amanda, I won't let you off."

I smiled bitterly. "Sorry, Grandma, you've been tricked. You won't see me again."

My heart ached as I watched Grandma sign and leave her fingerprint, but there was nothing I could do. "I've signed what you wanted. Now I want to see Amanda today."

Nicole let the paper dry, carefully tucking it into her folder. "Grandma, I need you to record a video saying you're willingly transferring the shares to me."

Grandma had no choice but to comply.

After the video, Grandma hurriedly asked, "Where's Amanda?"

Nicole's lips curled into a sly smile, and I felt a chill. Then she slowly said, "Grandma, I lied to you. You'll never see Amanda again."