Chapter 252: Baby, I’m Jealous

As soon as I stopped speaking, they both turned their eyes on me. “Why would you think that?”

“If Anna was just jealous and killed me, that would be one thing. But why did they have to skin me and shatter my bones? Why couldn’t I have died intact? I clearly remember seeing my body in the stone chamber, and then several people arrived, including an Auntarian man!”

Carter furrowed his brow. “From what I understand of Auntari culture, before liberation, there were practices of human sacrifice, using human skin for banners, and bones for crafts, even embedding living children in building foundations. So your suspicion isn’t without merit.”

Just hearing about these practices could chill anyone to the bone. Luke’s hands were clammy, and he swallowed hard, perhaps thinking about the fact that he had once been intimate with Anna, a woman capable of such horror. He seemed scared. He wiped his palms with a wet towel, then looked at Carter. “Uncle Carter, what should we do now?”

We need to protect Chloe until we understand the full intentions of these people. Let’s pause our direct investigations. I’ll have Damian look into this under the guise of car repairs. With the New Year and Anna’s upcoming wedding, they likely won’t act immediately. But… Carter looked at Luke. “Anna has been clinging to you, which means she has plans for our family. You don’t need to be overly friendly, but don’t cut ties either. It’s partly because of you that Chloe suffered. I hope you can make things right and uncover who’s behind Anna.”

Luke was visibly frightened but appeared to have resolved something as he looked up again, his expression firm. “I know what I must do.”

“Be cautious around Anna.”

“Understood.”

Carter waved a hand. “It’s late, let’s eat. We shouldn’t let the old man suspect our worries.”

After Luke left, I remained uneasy for a long time. It was unsettling to know the enemy was nearby yet unable to act. Carter could see I was troubled and patted my head. “Patience is crucial. We’re dealing with a group that has plotted for years. Rushing could be risky. We need to remain composed.” I leaned on him. “I’m grateful to have you.” To me, Carter is a pillar of strength, bringing peace in tumultuous times.

We had lunch with Jeffrey, and he sighed deeply as he looked at the empty seat next to Luke. “If only Chloe were still with us, our family would truly be complete.”

Luke did not look at me, his grip tightening on his fork as he muttered, “It’s all my fault. I failed to protect her…”

“It’s destiny, and now that you’re married to Alisa, let her move into the residence after the New Year.”

Luke set down his fork. “Grandpa, isn’t it too soon?”

“Don’t forget, you two just postponed your wedding because of Chloe’s funeral. You can’t keep delaying. I know you don’t like her much, but I can see she likes you,” Jeffrey advised earnestly. “The past can’t be changed, but you can manage the present. Choose a good day to welcome her; don’t let her end up like Chloe, filled with regrets.”

Adam and Sheila also chimed in, trying to persuade, but Luke remained silent, not responding. Carter continued to serve food to my plate, ignoring the conversation.

Suddenly, Sheila looked at me and asked, “Zoey, what do you think?”

I was chewing on half a shrimp. “Me? I have no objections as long as Luke agrees.”

I couldn’t tell if it was just my perception, but Sheila’s look seemed loaded with meaning. Could she be involved with Anna? Anna was cunning, and Sheila seemed too naive by comparison. If she had even a fraction of Anna’s cunning, she wouldn’t still be struggling like this.

Luckily, the house Carter and I were fixing up was nearly ready, so we would not be living together and would not have to be constantly vigilant.

After dinner, I had just reached the top of the stairs when Luke caught up. “Aunt Zoey…” At least he remembered that.

“Need something, Luke?”

“Are you really okay with Alisa moving in?”

I gave him a reassuring smile. “Chloe’s gone; you should move on.”

“What if I can’t?” His eyes reddened slightly, his hand clutching his chest. “In here, there’s always a place just for her. I’ve only ever loved her.”

“What can you do, really? The dead can’t come back. Luke, not everyone will wait for you forever.”

As we spoke, the elevator doors opened, revealing Carter in his wheelchair at the entrance.