Chapter 1179

The incessant honking from behind went unnoticed by Ned. He only withdrew his gaze after the woman disappeared.

Rosa Reese, sitting beside him, noticed his distraction. "Are you feeling that headache again?" she asked softly. "I've made a doctor's appointment. He's skilled in acupuncture; maybe he can help with your insomnia and headaches."

Ned pressed a hand to his forehead, his expression stern. The woman he had just seen…

"By the way, what were you looking at?" Rosa asked, glancing out the window. There was nothing remarkable outside—only a few restaurants, including a fondue place.

"Nothing much. Let's go," Ned replied.

Skylar, dining with Janine, received a call from an unknown number. She suspected it was the young maid from Ruell Residence.

"Hello?"

"This is Ursula Fairbank," a nervous, low voice said. "Ms. Sullivan, you met me today. You looked at my necklace and said you recognized the emerald pendant's origin."

Skylar signaled to Janine, excused herself, and moved to the balcony. "Did the person who gave you the pendant mention any effects besides its intended purpose?" she asked softly.

Ursula was startled. "What? An effect on me?" She hadn't considered anything of the sort.

"Have you been to the hospital recently for a termination?" Skylar asked gently.

Ursula abruptly ended the call.

Skylar saved the unfamiliar number as "Ursula."

Inside Ruell Residence, Ursula wept softly, careful not to be overheard. The emerald pendant, a source of solace since her mother's death, offered small comfort. She felt a fleeting happiness seeing her mother's bullies face consequences, but hadn't considered the future. If the pendant harmed her, it wouldn't matter; her life was already ruined. Her dreams of marrying her boyfriend and building a life in the countryside were shattered. Tears streamed down her face.

Vera stood outside Ursula's door. Several maids lived on the lower floor. She hesitated, unsure whether to call Ursula out. Denton and Marlon wouldn't answer her questions, Denton particularly agitated and struggling to breathe. She abandoned the idea of seeking answers.

Finally, she knocked. "Ursula, are you in there? I'd like to talk to you."

The door opened quickly. Ursula's eyes were swollen. "You… You've been crying? Did someone bully you?" Vera asked.

Ursula shook her head. "Did you need something, Ms. Ruell?"