When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Finding a Backer

“I was nearly kidnapped last night,” Amelia stated with a chilling calmness.

Gianna’s complexion drained of color instantly, but she quickly forced a few tears to the surface, adopting a pitiful expression. “Amelia, why would you accuse me like this? I was in the hospital all night…”

Emery stepped protectively in front of Gianna, his eyes blazing at Amelia. “What nonsense are you spouting? Gianna is seriously injured—there’s no way she could be involved in something like that.”

Marcelo let out a derisive laugh. “Amelia, have you lost your senses? To drag her down, you’d even sink this low?”

Amelia scanned their faces, then suddenly let out a bitter, hollow laugh. “You don’t believe me? Fine. Go ask the police. I’ve already filed a report.” Her icy gaze locked onto Gianna’s trembling form.

Instinctively, Gianna shrank back behind Emery, visibly shaken.

Amelia no longer bothered to argue. “In this house, it’s either her or me. If she stays, I’m gone. If I remain, she has to leave. The choice is yours.”

At last, their true selves were revealed.

She was done with this family. If they wanted to drag her down, she would make sure they fell even harder.

Raymond’s voice thundered with rage, trembling with fury. “Ungrateful brat! Gianna will always be our precious daughter. This will forever be her home!”

“How unfortunate for us to have such a cruel sister like you,” another voice sneered. “Gianna is our sister, but you? You’re the biggest disgrace this family has ever known.”

Their harsh words kept coming, one after another, igniting a fire of anger that had been simmering inside Amelia for two long years.

Her eyes turned completely cold, devoid of any warmth.

“Fine. Perfect,” she said slowly, her voice sharp as a blade. “Since you’ve chosen her, from this moment on, I sever all ties with this family. We are strangers now.”

Without another glance, she turned and walked away, as though staying one more second would suffocate her very soul.

“Get out! We don’t want a daughter like you!” Raymond roared after her.

Emery’s body shook with anger as well. “Worthless child! We never should have taken you back!”

Gianna clung to Emery, sobbing as if her heart had shattered. But behind the tears, a quick, smug smile flickered in her eyes.

“I always wanted to get along with Amelia, but she just hates me,” she whispered softly.

“Dad, Mom, after all, she’s your real daughter. Maybe I should be the one to leave. She looked upset. You should comfort her. I’m just an outsider. Please don’t let me ruin the family.”

“Or maybe I should beg her, apologize, and ask her to take care of you all after I’m gone.”

Her heartbreaking cries tugged at the family’s emotions, making them feel guilty and sorry for her.

Emery’s voice softened, “Silly girl, don’t say that. You’ll always be my little girl, part of this family.”

“Let that troublemaker leave!” Raymond snapped harshly.

“But Amelia holds company shares. Grandpa gave them to her. If she…” Gianna hesitated, her eyes darting nervously.

The truth was, the only reason Vincent wanted to marry Amelia was because of those shares.

She owned a significant portion of the company’s stock. If he married her, the Desters’ power would grow immensely.

When Amelia returned, her grandfather had been so overjoyed—or perhaps simply desperate to make amends—that he had handed over 30% of his shares to her.

If Amelia left, those shares would become a major problem.

“Hmph! If she’s no longer part of this family, we’ll just take the shares back,” Raymond sneered.

Amelia knew exactly what kind of dirty schemes they were plotting.

But as long as she refused to sign anything, they couldn’t touch her shares.

For now, she would hold her ground.

Just then, her phone rang. It was Josie calling.

She answered while walking away from the tense scene.

Suddenly, a sleek Rolls-Royce sped past, its tires splashing through a puddle and sending water flying high into the air.

The spray headed straight for Amelia.

She spotted it just in time and, with a swift, flawless twist, she dodged the splash completely.

The car screeched to a halt not far away.

Amelia ended the call.

The driver jumped out, panic written all over his face. “I’m so sorry, Miss! I didn’t see you there.”

Amelia calmly patted her clothes, unfazed. “It’s alright. Just be more careful next time.”

Slowly, the back window of the car rolled down.

“What happened?” A deep, cold voice emerged from inside.

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