Chapter 1176

Joe said, “Paul told me about Herman’s situation. Just do what you can.”

Seeing Joe’s continued worry, Skylar reassured him, “Alright, I’ll only do what’s within my ability.”

After a brief conversation, Skylar hung up and opened the door to find several people gathered outside, debating whether to enter. Suddenly, she stepped out.

“You scared the life out of me! I was just about to barge in. Good thing you came out,” Lizzie said, sighing with relief.

Paul, equally shaken, nodded. “You almost gave me a heart attack.”

Skylar smiled. “I was sleeping and didn’t hear the knocking. Has your brother woken up?” she asked Lizzie.

Lizzie shook her head. “Not yet, but he doesn’t look as pale.”

“That’s good. Maybe he’ll wake up tonight,” Skylar said, checking the time.

Lizzie suggested, “Let’s grab dinner first. Paul said you like fondue, so I booked a table at a specialty restaurant. They’ve already reserved a spot.”

Skylar agreed. “Sounds good.”

As they were leaving the Garza Residence, Winona rushed out, panic etched on her face.

“He’s awake! Herman just woke up! He even spoke!” she exclaimed, tears glistening on her cheeks. Her voice held more than urgency; it was filled with overwhelming emotion.

Lizzie immediately jumped out of the car. “Mom, did you just say he woke up? Did he speak? What did he say?”

Skylar followed, and the three returned to the villa with Winona.

Through her tears, Winona explained, “He said it felt like he’d been trapped in a long, terrible dream. In the dream, he’d become twisted and cruel. He tried to escape but couldn't.”

“I’ll go check on him,” Skylar offered.

“Alright. When he woke up, the first thing he asked was if someone had helped him. He vaguely remembered hearing people talking about scissors and a pendant, but said it was all unclear, like voices in a dream,” Winona explained, her emotion palpable.

Her excitement was understandable. The past year’s exhaustion and heartbreak had taken their toll. Hope had dwindled, and this moment felt unexpected.

Looking at Skylar, tears still in her eyes, Winona clasped Skylar’s hands. “You’re a benefactor to our family, Ms. Sullivan. I don’t think I’d ever hear my son speak again if it weren’t for you.”

Before Skylar could respond, Lizzie added, “You truly are a benefactor, especially for me. If it weren’t for you, I’d be stuck inheriting the family business—a terrifying prospect. You’ve spared me countless sleepless nights.”

Lizzie’s unspoken thought—had Skylar been single, a jest about repaying the favor might have been made—remained just that.

Skylar smiled. “Let’s check on Herman first.”

Herman’s ordeal with the negative item had lasted over a year. Without Winona and Carl’s devoted care, he wouldn’t have survived long enough for Skylar’s help to arrive.