Chapter 1117

Perhaps this was Skylar and Herman's destiny. Soon, she saw him; he had indeed awakened.

Herman froze for a moment upon spotting Skylar, then asked, "You're the one who saved me, right?"

Skylar confirmed, "Yes, it was me."

Immediately, Herman got out of bed and bowed in gratitude. "Thank you. If it weren't for you, I'd still be trapped in that pain."

"It's good that you're awake," Skylar replied softly. "Just take your time to rest, and try not to get too emotional."

Lizzie approached, her eyes red-rimmed. "Herman, you've scared us to death this past year."

Herman felt a twinge of guilt. "Dad just told me that the crescent-shaped emerald pendant I bought abroad caused all this trouble. When I first saw it at the auction, I remember a voice telling me to bid on it. Somehow, I just did."

"After the auction house handed it to me, it started with just a few nightmares, but then I couldn't sleep at all. Eventually, I lost my sanity. This caused Mom and Dad a great deal of worry."

Carl and Winona stood nearby, their eyes moist. This year had felt like a nightmare. Thankfully, it was finally over.

"It's a relief to see you awake," Carl sighed.

Suddenly, Herman turned to Skylar. "Ms. Sullivan, can we talk privately for a moment?"

"Of course," Skylar nodded, sensing he had more to say—matters unsuitable for Lizzie and his parents to hear.

After exchanging glances, Lizzie and her parents respected Herman's wishes and stepped outside. Herman shut the door behind them, gesturing for Skylar to sit on the nearby couch.

Once seated, he said directly, "There are things they shouldn't know. That's why I requested to speak with you alone. I hope you understand that it might seem presumptuous."

Skylar smiled gently, encouraging him to continue. He turned his gaze to the window. Although he could open it from the inside, a security grill outside had trapped him. That grill felt like it confined his soul and freedom. A shadow of sadness crossed his face.

He said, "When I was abroad, I accidentally hit and killed a girl. She was about your age. On the way to the hospital, she gave me this pendant, telling me to take good care of it. She said she had no family and that it was her most valued possession. She wanted me to bring it back home and bury it somewhere. When I returned, I uncontrollably wore the pendant, completely forgetting her request. Now I wonder if my greed brought her wrath upon me, tormenting me like this. She ran a red light. I know the blame wasn't mine, but for over a year now, I've been seeing her in my dreams, along with many other people I've never met. Is this punishment for my actions? Did that girl even know the pendant was a negative item? Did she give it to me as revenge?"

After the accident, he had seen a therapist, but the guilt persisted.

Seeing the pale, self-reproachful sorrow on Herman's face, Skylar understood why someone so accomplished could be ensnared by a negative item.

"It's not your fault," she said. "I believe your parents told you the pendant was a negative item, that it would gradually lead you to lose your mind. As for the girl's death, you already knew the truth before you returned home, didn't you? Mr. Garza, you need to look forward. Whether she knew the pendant was negative is no longer important. What matters is that I've dealt with it now."

Herman looked taken aback, then, after a few minutes, seemed to find peace. "Thank you."