Chapter 1194

Two hours later, Skylar completed her inspection of the Hughes residence. Descending the stairs, she was met with several pairs of eyes, their unspoken question nearly a chorus: "Did you find the so-called cursed object?"

Skylar looked at Marvin. "The problem isn't this house," she stated. "None of the antiques are cursed."

"What?" the women exclaimed in unison.

Melinda's immediate retort was sharp with arrogant disdain: "Is it that you lack the ability to see it? We live here. How could the problem not be with the house?"

Skylar briefly glanced at Melinda before addressing Jeremy. "The issue likely lies with them," she said, gesturing towards the family members.

Despite the others' doubt, Jeremy trusted Skylar. She had handled matters even Alexander couldn't. Had she not pointed out the possibility of cursed objects, they might never have realized they'd unknowingly brought one home, allowing it to control their fate.

Jeremy turned to his family. "Uncle Joey, Aunt Melinda, have any of you recently purchased any accessories? Bracelets, necklaces, or similar items?"

Joey frowned. "Isn't it called a 'cursed object' because it's powerful and dangerous enough to cause these incidents? What do accessories have to do with it?"

"Who exactly did you hire? Don't bring this nonsense into our home," he added, his tone sharp.

Melinda quickly chimed in, "Exactly. These things are just accessories. We might wear them one day and not touch them for ages. How could they harm anyone?"

Quincey's mother agreed, "Yes, Jeremy, I think you've been swindled."

Marvin's expression darkened; if not for Skylar's connection to Alexander, his disapproval would have been far more evident.

Caleb, exasperated, snapped, "Oh, you all think you know everything. Fine, you don't trust Skylar. Then why bother? Skylar, let's go. People are waiting. This is a waste of your time."

Skylar nodded to Jeremy. "I'll transfer the money back to you shortly." Then, turning to Caleb, she said, "Let's go."

Planning to attend a charity gala with Caleb the following day, she saw it as an opportunity to find a dress. Returning from abroad, she hadn't anticipated such an event and had packed only a few simple outfits; evening gowns were absent.

Jeremy's expression fell. The Hughes family hadn't expected Skylar to simply leave, undefended against their accusations. Her nonchalant departure surprised them, causing them to question their assumptions. Moments before, they'd viewed her as an amateur and a fraud, but Caleb's attitude and Skylar's unconcerned offer to return the payment made them reconsider.

"Wait, are you certain the cursed object is connected to them?" Marvin asked abruptly.

Skylar, already at the door, paused and turned. Despite her lukewarm impression of him, he was an elder and a friend of Alexander's. She glanced at Joey and the others.

"There's a high probability they are the cause," she said calmly. The words hung heavy in the air, a sense of foreboding settling upon them, silencing their earlier skepticism.

After a moment, a thoughtful expression crossed Joey's face.