Chapter 98

As a child, I witnessed my grandmother command respect unlike anyone else. Her authority was undeniable, surpassing even my grandfather's. She was the powerhouse behind the Kennedy family's rise, propelling it to greater heights with her indomitable spirit.

She was strict with the family, particularly my father, who lacked natural talent. Grandma tirelessly endeavored to elevate him, imparting all her wisdom and skills.

Grandpa was quite timid, and though my mother appeared strong, she was essentially a naive soul. My brothers inherited the most average traits from our parents; they possessed no exceptional talents.

Thus, as Grandma aged, the Kennedy family's influence waned.

Grandma believed men should bear responsibility, so she was initially tough on my brothers. However, she was far gentler with Nicole and me.

After Nicole's tragic drowning, Grandma became even more loving towards me. Initially, upon Nicole's return, Grandma genuinely sought reconciliation. However, unlike my parents, she was no pushover. She quickly saw through Nicole's manipulations, warned her, and attempted to alert the family. It was as if Nicole held them all under a spell—they ignored Grandma completely. Watching her weep like a child was heartbreaking. Had she not been physically frail, her distress would have been even greater. I tried to comfort her, jokingly suggesting that worrying about her would keep me trapped as a lonely spirit. Grandma, ever caring, ceased her tears at my dramatic words. Her red nose and tired, reddened eyes evoked deep sympathy in anyone who saw her.

Everyone noticed Grandma repeatedly gazing in my direction, unsettling my mother.

“Is Mom having another episode, or is she seeing things? There’s nobody there, so why is she staring at the windowsill?”

“It’s probably just a nice day, and she wants to enjoy the sun,” my father patiently replied. “Mom, once you’re feeling better, I’ll take you outside.”

Grandma desperately tried to tell them about me, her face contorted with effort, but she couldn't speak. Noticing Nicole's gaze fixated on her, I quickly warned Grandma.

“Grandma, please, don’t do anything rash. If you speak up, Nicole will definitely try to kill you! If something happens to you, no one will ever know what really happened to me.”

Slowly, Grandma calmed down, her tear-filled eyes fixed on me.

“Grandma, I’ve been wandering since I died. My body has been dismembered, and no one knows I’m gone. You’re the only one who can see me, so you have to hold on.”

Grandma blinked twice, her only response.

My father looked exhausted, so my mother suggested he rest. Nicole seized the opportunity, saying, “Mom, you were here all night and the boys have work. How about I stay with Grandma tonight?”

Hearing this, I was overcome with worry. “No, that’s not happening!”

Grandma had calmed considerably, but a flicker of panic still crossed her eyes.