Even after Her Death by Rita Bond

Chapter 525 Farewell

A weight settled in my chest, cold and crushing. I could not wait any longer–I had to call Carter.

The phone rang. Then, at last, his voice came through, rough, and weary. “Chloe.”

I tried to speak, but the words caught in my throat. “Dad, he…

”

Carter’s silence stretched before he forced the words out. “He’s gone.”

The phone slipped from my fingers, hitting the floor with a dull thud.

I had known this moment would come. Jeffrey prepared everything, leaving no loose ends. The signs were there. The outcome had always been certain.

But knowing and accepting were two different things.

The finality of it struck like a blade, sharp and merciless.

I dropped to my knees, my hands covering my face. Sobs broke free, and tears spilled between my fingers. My whole body shook.

He had been a good man. A pillar of quiet strength. For 20 years, he had stood in my life like an unwavering presence, and I had come to love him as a grandfather.

If he had stayed–weak, frail, bound to a hospital bed—it wouldn’t have mattered.

He still would have been here. There would have been someone to visit, someone to miss.

Now, he was gone, and with him, the last thread holding the Boltons together had begun to fray.

“Jeffrey, why did it have to be this way?”

His health had failed him, but medicine had come so far. The Boltons had wealth, power, and connections. They could have kept him here a little longer.

But Carter had been right. No one could hold back a man who had already chosen to go.

A year ago, I buried my grandmother. Now, I had to bury Jeffrey, too.

people who had loved me, guided me, made me feel

“Jeffrey … Jeffrey…”

instructions. You must take care of yourself. Please … don’t let grief wear you down.”

up and saw Everett standing still, his gaze distant, his eyes searching for something unseen. Then, slowly, he turned toward

light and fleeting, brushed over me, like

course, I saw nothing. But I knew. He

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Chapter 525 Farewell.

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leave his grandson behind. He couldn’t leave me behind. Not yet. Not

even now, he was smiling, his voice filled with the same kindness he had always carried. “Chloe, don’t cry. I’m only

in my throat, and I whispered through trembling lips, “I’ll take care of Everett and Everly. I swear. So

draft stirred the

strands of my hair before

shifted, then settled. The

let go. He

let out sudden, piercing cries, their laughter vanishing as

sprang into action.

to prepare formula, and

refused milk and comfort

“They’re not wet, and they just ate. Could they be sick? Should we call

pushing myself upright with their help. “No.

hesitated but obeyed, exchanging

“Tell the

frowned. “For what, ma’am?”

the words stuck. It took effort

two women stiffened, eyes darting between me and the restless children in my arms. Perhaps, in their minds, grief had cursed this house, following

I waved them off. “Just do it.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

them gently. Their tiny faces were blotchy with tears, their cries still hiccupping in their throats. I gave them the softest smile I could muster. “Don’t cry. Grandpa’s gone to find

Their exhaustion soon won over,