Chapter 88

She fought to control her anger. “Nicole, I’ve already given you the shares. I only want Amanda back. This isn’t a joke!”

“Joke?” Nicole produced her phone. “Look at what they did to your granddaughter.”

Scrolling through photos, she narrated, “You don’t know when she died, do you? Her wedding night. She went to Ruby River alone, heartbroken. Someone stabbed her, twice, in vital areas. Her body fell into the water; there was blood everywhere.”

“Before she died, she called Chase. He was with me, watching fireworks. Her blood drained away; she tried to reach her phone. I think she wanted to say goodbye, but she couldn't even touch it before she passed. We treated her body with a special solution to ease the… skinning. Here's the photo.”

The image showed a solitary figure by the river on a snowy night. Her white wedding dress contrasted starkly with the crimson of her blood. The vibrant fireworks display across the river, illuminating the sky and her lifeless face, added a cruel irony.

I never imagined seeing myself like this on Nicole’s phone. The next photo showed my naked body on a stone slab, covered in the solution.

Tears welled in Grandma’s eyes as she struggled to comprehend her granddaughter's horrific end, her inability to even say goodbye. She glanced at more photos of the mutilation, but could only endure a moment before swinging her cane at Nicole’s head.

“You murderer! You’ll never find peace!”

Despite her effort, Grandma’s age betrayed her. Nicole easily evaded the blow, causing Grandma to fall.

“Grandma!”

That was the extent of her strength. She fell heavily. The wind whipped her white hair around her face. Her body slipped from my grasp, hitting the ground with a thud.

“Grandma, are you okay?” I knelt beside her, my body trembling. “Somebody, help! Anyone!” I cried frantically.

Nicole approached. I lunged at her. “You monster! Get away! Leave her alone!”

She stopped before Grandma, her eyes cold and hateful, devoid of sympathy.

“Does it hurt? This is just the beginning, old woman. This is what the Kennedy family owes me!”

“What do you really want?” Grandma’s voice was hoarse, her face streaked with tears.

Sensing danger, she cried out, “Help! Somebody help!”

Grandma, unable to move, crawled toward her phone. Just as she reached it, Nicole stomped on her hand.