Chapter 1175

Vera had transformed. Years of experience had tempered her insolence and arrogance, replacing them with composure and restraint. Yet, the core of her character remained unchanged; fleeting expressions and subtle shifts in demeanor still betrayed the true state of her heart.

Skylar emerged from her car just as Vera hurried toward her. "I've been waiting for you," Vera said. Skylar's arrival lifted Vera's spirits; she hadn't been certain Skylar would come. So much had changed in recent years. Jipsburg City wasn't the same as it had been three years prior, and neither was Vera.

"Let's go inside and take a look," Skylar said, nodding.

As they entered the Ruell Residence, Vera explained the recent troubles. Her grandfather, Denton, and uncle, Marlon, were experiencing similar symptoms: nighttime irritability, insomnia, incoherent ramblings in their sleep, and, at times, only an hour of sleep per night. This vicious cycle of poor sleep had worsened their emotional states.

Denton, hospitalized for health issues a few years earlier, had experienced sporadic deterioration over the past three years. Insomnia severely impacted his health at his age. The family kept an oxygen machine at home; supplemental oxygen was often necessary, and even going downstairs proved challenging.

Marlon, meanwhile, had fallen into a severe depression, resulting in divorce and estrangement from his son. He had even attempted suicide multiple times, causing immense family turmoil.

"Two years ago, Grandpa started collecting antiques again—something I only recently discovered," Vera explained. "Everyone assumed the negative items were gone, so we paid little attention."

"Initially, we attributed Grandpa and Uncle Marlon's insomnia and emotional problems to illness," she continued. "But now, I wonder if it's connected to those negative items." Vera sighed, acknowledging her inability to detect such items. The Jipsburg "experts" had offered only vague astrological explanations, providing no solutions. Only later did Vera consider the possibility of negative items, leading her to contact Natalie, who then connected her with Skylar in Murida.

After hearing Vera's account, Skylar nodded. "Okay, I see," she said, understanding the need for firsthand observation. Upon entering the villa, a distinct chill swept over her. She noticed Vera pulling her cashmere shawl tighter.

"It's a bit cold. Do you want a shawl?" Vera immediately offered.

Skylar shook her head. "Not for now, thanks."

Skylar had grown in the past three years. Though she hadn't encountered negative items abroad, she had dedicated herself to study, devouring Viola's metaphysical texts. What had once seemed obscure now felt surprisingly clear, as if a sudden clarity had dawned. Skylar could even glean insights from a person's appearance.

"Has anyone died in this villa in the past year?" she whispered, her voice low enough only for Vera to hear.

Vera's expression shifted, revealing shock, admiration, and respect in her gaze.