Even after Her Death by Rita Bond

At last, I see the source of the Carlyn brothers' unhinged behavior.

Amber stood before him, exuding the innocence of someone completely naive.

Whether Penelope truly committed those terrible acts, I can't say. What I do know is that, for as long as I can remember, she's always treated me with warmth and care.

Before my wedding, she was constantly concerned I might face mistreatment, going out of her way to ensure I had everything I needed, even offering the entire family fortune as part of my dowry. After I disappeared, she was the only one in the Sanders who stayed up countless nights, relentlessly searching for any trace of me.

And yet, he's asking me to spill the blood of the elder I love most!

Among the Sanders, Penelope is more straightforward. She likely arrived by plane, though her slightly disheveled hair hints at a rushed journey.

With everything that's happened lately, I haven't had the chance to dwell on Penelope. I never expected to encounter her again under such grim circumstances.

Damian has faithfully served Carter for countless years, and it's clear that Dominic managed to track Penelope down using Damian as a link.

He avoided harming Penelope before, likely biding his time until the moment our family was whole once more.

"Chloe." Penelope's speech has come a long way since before she can now say my full name without stumbling.

I had just told Whitney not to overthink things, but when it comes to my troubles, I've learned it's easier said than done.

"Grandma."

Without hesitation, I dashed toward her.

The sight of her, with her white hair and a face so worn down, pierced my heart with pain.

For someone as resilient as her, has she ever endured such a devastating chapter in her life?

I pulled her into a firm embrace. "Grandma, I'm so sorry. I failed to protect you properly."

"You... you're alive. That's all that matters," she said, her voice trembling.

There wasn't a hint of fear on her face just pure happiness at reuniting with someone she loved.

"Grandma, I found Whitney. She's your granddaughter," I told her gently.

With tears in her eyes, Whitney finally made her way to Penelope's side. "Grandma ... " she murmured softly.

"Good, good," Penelope said warmly, her gaze filled with relief as she looked at us. Then her eyes shifted to Dominic.

"You are..." she asked hesitantly, unsure of his identity, as Dominic appeared to her like a man in his thirties.

stepped forward calmly into the light and introduced himself with quiet composure. "I am Dominic, the eldest son of Ronald," he said politely. His voice was soft and gentle, yet it sent a chill down my

suddenly seemed like

there's

flare up like a firecracker, but at worst, she's just

his deceptive appearance hides the

his sons have clearly

still, he exudes an aura that feels

mirrors his father's smile perfectly. With his soft, fluffy hair and a faint dimple appearing on his right cheek when he grins, he

said, his voice calm yet chilling. "It's because my hatred for you runs so deep that I've spent countless sleepless nights anticipating this day." He moved with a

bloodstains on them, with no visible

wasn't so fortunate his thumb was gone, severed clean off, and blood was gushing from

come from the

similarly to Yael and

and I noticed a damp patch spreading at his crotch. Yellow droplets of urine trickled down his pant leg-he was terrified beyond

stark contrast, Penelope, with her gray hair and aged appearance, stood calm and composed. Her once transparent expressions had hardened; there wasn't a trace of fear on her face or in her

nothing but

seize

grandfather's incompetence and et

the Sanders, stripped of even the most basic

even more pathetic, trembling in fear

came to a halt in front of Greg, and he turned to face

trembled uncontrollably under Dominic's gaze, his legs shaking so badly that urine splashed

mess

fear, Greg stammered, "I-I'm sorry,

used his sleeve to

have felt a deep sorrow at the sight of this. The

approval. He raised his foot and stepped on Greg's back, "You are more pleasing to the

Swng

his hand, and someone

gently pressed against Greg's chin, so close to his throat that Greg dared not move, even

was icy, "Do you

voice barely a whisper.

I'll give you a chance. Take the knife and kill any

a twisted game

tossed the knife aside. "You have five minutes. If

on the ground, muttering the same two words over

from the Sanders, and

chair was brought over for Dominic, who sat down leisurely and began cracking sunflower seeds as if he had all the time