Chapter 1176

Vera said, “How did you know? One of the maids, while cleaning the stairs, accidentally fell. They rushed her to the hospital, but she died two days later.” She sighed. Moira Townsend had worked for Denton for over twenty years. Such a tragic end was unexpected. They compensated her family, and the matter was resolved.

Skylar said little after hearing this. Instead, she visited Denton. He lay in bed, his face pale and exhausted. He glanced at her, but his eyes lacked any spark of life. His long-term insomnia, constant nightmares, and increasing irritability had drained him. Age had only exacerbated the problem, leaving him depleted. After a few words with Skylar, he was too exhausted to continue and closed his eyes.

Skylar then examined the antiques in the villa. Nothing seemed amiss. She had a hunch, but lacked certainty. “Let’s visit your uncle’s house next,” she suggested.

“Certainly,” Vera replied. “My uncle and his family are waiting.”

As they prepared to leave, Skylar’s gaze fell upon Ursula Fairbank, a maid mopping the floor. Ursula, in her early twenties, was unremarkable—the sort of person easily overlooked.

“What is it?” Vera whispered, noticing Skylar’s focus.

“That necklace,” Skylar said. “I want a closer look.”

Vera paused, then approached Ursula. “May I see your necklace?” she asked.

Ursula froze, her face paling. “It’s just an ordinary emerald pendant,” she stammered. “If you like it, I can send you the link where I bought it.”

Such a plain, low-quality necklace wasn’t Vera’s style. Luxury items weren’t typically found on online shopping platforms.

Vera smiled. “Send me the link later. But for now, let me see it.” She wouldn’t have insisted if Skylar hadn't expressed interest, but she trusted Skylar's judgment.

Ursula hesitated, but finally removed the necklace and handed it over.

Vera returned the necklace to Skylar, who noted Ursula’s nervous tension. Skylar’s expression darkened as she examined the pendant.

Vera, sensing the shift in Skylar’s mood, wondered, “What’s going on?”

Skylar approached Ursula, holding up the necklace. “Did you buy this necklace, or was it a gift?”

Ursula’s eyes darted away. “I… I bought it. May I have it back? I feel… uneasy without it.”

“Certainly,” Skylar replied calmly.

Ursula snatched back the necklace and immediately put it on, as if fearing it might be confiscated.