Chapter 1112

Skylar, with Lizzie at her side, examined Herman's belongings. After completing her inspection, she paused before asking, "There's nothing amiss here. Your father's antiques seem genuine. Has your brother kept any personal items on him, like emerald pendants, bracelets, or rings?" Having already reviewed Herman's room, she hadn't noticed anything unusual. Lizzie considered this for a moment, then shook her head. "I don't recall anything specific. He's worn long sleeves and pants regardless of the season for years. He never wore emerald pendants; a wristwatch was the most he'd wear."

Skylar nodded. "Then let's ask your parents."

"Sure, they know more about my brother's situation." As they were about to enter the elevator, piercing screams erupted. The desperate cries, filled with terror, chilled them to the bone.

Lizzie paled. "It's Herman."

Skylar's expression hardened. "Has he screamed like this before?"

"Only recently, and rarely. He hadn't done it in days. I can't believe he's screaming again! Every time, he threatens to end his life." Lizzie's anxiety was palpable; she was desperate to go downstairs.

Skylar remained silent, a growing unease settling over her. According to Lizzie and Paul's descriptions, Herman was a strong man, not prone to mental illness or easily affected by setbacks. Even with psychological intervention, there'd been no improvement. This suggested a negative influence, yet she'd placed a talisman by his door, which should have mitigated it. Herman's continued screams left her bewildered.

She headed downstairs. Carl and Winona were there, their faces ashen, two maids struggling to restrain a frantic, screaming Herman. Paul stood nearby, stunned. Skylar understood the shock this caused Paul, given their long acquaintance; Herman's transformation was drastic. He was a completely different person.

With the maids' restraint, Herman eventually weakened, stopped harming himself, and fainted. This sight sent Carl and Winona's hearts racing, their eyes reddening with worry. Winona would have collapsed had Lizzie not supported her.

Carl was the first to compose himself. He looked at Skylar, sighed, and said, "Did this frighten you? He... sometimes behaves like this. We wonder if it's right to intervene, or if we should let him go and find peace."

"Dad, don't say that. He wouldn't want this. He's never caused us this much worry before, has he?" Lizzie retorted.

Winona sighed. "I just hope he wakes up soon. We can't handle this much longer."

Lizzie, remembering Skylar's earlier question, asked, "Dad, Mom, does Herman have anything on him, like pendants, bracelets, or rings?"

Winona shook her head. "I haven't paid much attention. It doesn't seem like he has anything."

Just as Carl was about to agree, he remembered. "About a year and a half ago, he bought a crescent-shaped emerald pendant abroad. He always wore it; the maid tried to remove it once when he wanted to shower, but he refused. After that, no one thought much of it."

Skylar murmured, "A crescent-shaped emerald pendant?"

Chapter 1113