Chapter 1193

After entering the Hughes residence, Caleb and Skylar met several family members. Jeremy introduced them, including Zack and Quincey's parents, his uncle Joey Hughes and his wife, and his grandfather, the family patriarch. As Jeremy introduced Skylar in the large villa, several family members offered only cold, indifferent nods.

It was clear that, aside from Jeremy, the others regarded Skylar with skepticism and condescension. Their blatant disrespect was evident. Skylar, however, remained unfazed. Jeremy had hired her to find the cursed object; the opinions of others were irrelevant.

Caleb, however, was displeased. He asked Jeremy, with a hint of dissatisfaction, "How much did you pay Skylar? Don't rely on your ex-wife's friendship for a discount." He felt that even a million dollars would be insufficient given their condescending attitude. He couldn't fathom their arrogance; if they were so capable, they wouldn't need Skylar's help.

Caleb, known for his sharp tongue, often challenged those who annoyed him. His words made Marvin finally notice him; until then, all attention had been focused on Skylar. Caleb's bold and unrestrained personality was well-known in Jipsburg's social circles. His cutting remarks could leave people speechless.

The Hughes family's expressions shifted. The amount paid to Skylar was less of a concern than her youth and apparent inexperience. They wouldn't have been there if Jeremy hadn't brought her. While the payment wasn't the primary issue, they found Caleb's comments harsh and questioned his upbringing.

"Caleb?" Marvin frowned.

Caleb smiled. "Yes, Mr. Hughes Senior."

Jeremy, though outwardly neutral, felt apologetic toward Skylar. "I've just transferred another payment to your account," he said.

Acknowledging the payment, Skylar raised an eyebrow but ignored the others. Turning to Jeremy, she said, "Please take me to it."

"Honestly, I think this whole cursed object thing is fantastical," Joey's wife, Melinda Ward, suddenly remarked.

Skylar merely glanced at her.

Jeremy frowned. "Aunt Melinda, if you don't believe in it, then you shouldn't be here."

Melinda's face darkened instantly. She knew Jeremy lacked respect for her and her husband, but she resented his implied dismissal of the family.

Marvin glared at the couple. "Enough."

Whether the cursed object was real remained to be seen, but Alexander's trust in Skylar, despite her age, suggested she possessed some skill.

"It must be the influence of the cursed object," Zack's mother insisted. "Otherwise, how could Zack do such a terrible thing? Neither he nor Quincey remember what happened."

Another middle-aged woman nodded. "Exactly. My son and Zack have been close for two years, about to join Jeremy's company. Then this happened. If it's not a cursed object, it's something like hypnosis." Even so, she considered Skylar unreliable due to her youth.

Chapter 1194