When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Forming an Alliance

Jeremy’s dark eyes sharpened, narrowing like a blade poised to strike. “Speak,” he commanded, his voice low and firm.

Amelia took her time, refusing to be hurried. With a calm, steady tone, she introduced herself. “I’m Amelia Nygard, the eldest daughter of the Nygard family. Though recently, I severed all ties with them.”

His gaze lingered on her face a moment longer, the faintest curve of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“The eldest daughter of the Nygards?” he said quietly, a hint of amusement threading through his voice. “The true heir they all despise?”

Amelia arched an eyebrow, a wry smile playing on her lips. “Bad news travels fast, doesn’t it? Seems you know me better than I expected.”

Jeremy let out a cold chuckle. “Those fools in the Nygard family—cutting ties with them might just be the smartest move you’ve made.”

Given the longstanding rivalry between their families, it wasn’t surprising he was aware of her situation. Still, Amelia felt a flicker of surprise. She hadn’t imagined this ruthless business magnate would speak so bluntly about her own blood.

She returned a light smile. “So, Mr. Curran, shall we make a deal? I’ll cure your poison, and in return, you become my ally.”

Her red lips parted deliberately, each word weighted with intent.

The room seemed to freeze, the air thick with tension.

The driver and bodyguard exchanged nervous glances, holding their breath, fearing their boss might order them to eject this audacious woman immediately.

But Jeremy only chuckled softly, a spark of interest igniting in his gaze. “Amelia, you’ve got guts.”

“Right back at you,” she replied without hesitation, meeting his stare head-on. “You trust me to heal you; naturally, that gives me the right to set the terms.”

“Why?” he asked, curiosity sharpening his tone.

“Because my grandfather granted me thirty percent of the company shares. The Nygards won’t let me go quietly, so I need your support to stand against them.

“And I want your help.

“I want the Nygards to watch as everything they hold dear crumbles, piece by piece.”

Her voice was low, cold, but her eyes blazed with fierce determination.

Originally, Amelia had hoped for a peaceful life upon her return. But circumstances had forced her hand.

If that was the case, they would pay dearly.

She would make sure they regretted crossing her for the rest of their lives.

At the same time, she was driven by a deeper need—to uncover the truth behind her disappearance all those years ago.

From the moment she came back, something had felt off, like a shadow lurking just beyond reach.

She had feigned ignorance before, but now, she was ready to dig into the truth.

Those who had betrayed her would face the consequences in full.

Their eyes locked, the charged silence stretching between them.

Finally, Jeremy broke the stillness. “Deal.”

Then, without warning, he reached out, his hand resting on the back of her neck as he leaned in dangerously close. “But remember, anyone who works with me either lives or dies with me.”

Amelia met his gaze steadily, pressing a slender silver needle lightly against his throat. “Funny enough, that’s my rule with patients too.”

***

“The proof?” Jeremy released her wrist, his voice deep and challenging.

Amelia pulled the needle away and reached into her bag, retrieving an old wooden box. Inside, rows of thin silver needles gleamed neatly.

“Mr. Curran, please take off your shirt,” she instructed in a calm, professional tone.

Jeremy raised an eyebrow. “Right here?”

“If you prefer, we can move somewhere more private,” Amelia offered, glancing around.

Up front, the driver and bodyguard sat rigid, barely daring to breathe.

“Go to Cloudspire Estate,” Jeremy ordered curtly.

About half an hour later, the car pulled up before a quiet yet opulent villa.

Amelia followed him inside to a bedroom on the top floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a panoramic view of the entire city, the skyline stretching endlessly beyond.

Jeremy unbuttoned his suit jacket and slowly peeled off his shirt, revealing a lean, muscular torso.

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