Chapter 1242

Edwin's slurred words betrayed his considerable intoxication. The young woman in his arms, her youthful face flushed, was equally inebriated. His pants zipper was undone; her stockings were torn. Their recent intimacy was readily apparent.

Skylar's expression froze. Caleb's mouth twitched. Edwin's behavior was a disgrace, a stark contrast to the man Gloria remembered and Joe's father should have been. It was beyond words.

"Pay me first," Skylar said coldly.

Edwin's eyebrows shot up. "Pay you? You're my daughter-in-law! We're family, and you're asking me for money?" He believed he was offering Skylar an opportunity; he had no intention of paying. He suspected she'd rushed to Murida to care for his mother solely for inheritance—inheritance that belonged to him as Gloria's son. Skylar's share, if any, rested entirely on his decision.

"Even close relatives should keep accounts clear," Caleb smirked. "Mr. Martin, you're always generous with others. If you don't pay Skylar for her services, aren't you worried people will laugh?"

To them, Edwin was a sly fox.

Irritated by the jibe, Edwin produced his phone. "Give me your account number. I'll pay you now!"

Caleb promptly supplied Skylar's account details. Edwin, true to his word, transferred one hundred thousand dollars. He considered it more than sufficient. Even a highly reputable expert in Jipsburg wouldn't command that much. He paid generously because she was Joe's wife; otherwise, he wouldn't have paid a cent.

Caleb was speechless upon seeing the transfer confirmation; Skylar let out a cold laugh. Apparently, Edwin's life was worth only one hundred thousand dollars.

"Let's go take a look," Skylar said, deciding to investigate for Gloria and Joe's sake. Any supernatural influence affecting Edwin could also impact Joe.

Chapter 1242

Edwin turned to the young woman. "You should go home. Come again tomorrow."

Still slightly intoxicated, she nodded repeatedly. "Okay, I'll come again tomorrow. Don't overwork yourself; get some rest."

Edwin beamed, flattered. "Okay, okay, I'll definitely rest."

Skylar and Caleb exchanged a cringeworthy look.

Once the woman departed, Edwin led them into the villa. The unsettling feeling outside intensified within; an oppressive discomfort permeated the air.

"How long have you been experiencing dreams of being haunted by women and children?" Skylar asked.

Edwin slurred a reply. "Just the past month, I guess… But lately, it's been happening more often. Sometimes, I can't tell if I'm dreaming or awake. Sometimes, I even feel like I'm suffocating." He touched his neck, a lingering fear etched on his face.

Despite his life of alcohol and excess, the prospect of death terrified him.

Skylar nodded and began her inspection of the villa with Caleb, eventually focusing on a Victorian-era portrait of a woman in traditional dress, surrounded by children.