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.

me, made me feel like I belonged. Gone.

“Jeffrey … Jeffrey…”

the master left strict instructions. You must take care of yourself. Please … don’t let grief

house. Now, silence pressed in from every side. I looked up and saw Everett standing

warmth, light and fleeting, brushed

Of course, I saw nothing. But I knew. He

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Chapter 525 Farewell.

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

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

I whispered through trembling lips, “I’ll take care of Everett and Everly. I swear. So please… rest now.”

stirred the air, lifting.

of my hair before

then settled. The house remained as it

knew. He had let go. He

twins let out sudden, piercing cries, their laughter vanishing as if

nannies sprang

to prepare formula, and the other checked

and comfort

wet, and they just ate. Could they be sick? Should we call the family doctor?”

pushing myself upright with

hesitated but obeyed, exchanging

weakly. “Tell the butler to make arrangements.”

nanny frowned. “For

stuck. It took effort to force

stiffened, eyes darting between me and the restless children in my arms. Perhaps, in their minds,

had no patience for questions. I waved them off. “Just

“Yes, ma’am.”

close, I rocked 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

little to understand. Their exhaustion soon