Chapter 1247

Rosa refused to believe Skylar's words. "Fine," she thought, "I'll see if you dare to keep bothering Ned!" If Skylar dared to entangle herself with Ned again, Rosa would ensure Skylar faced the consequences.

After packing her suitcase, Skylar drove home for dinner with Janine, Steven, and the others. They had all purchased gifts for her, and some for Gloria as well. The many boxes gave Skylar a headache. Steven and Harvey would take her to the airport tomorrow morning, so they planned to send the boxes by courier.

After dinner, Skylar went to Natalie's café. It was still a filming location, bustling with crew members. She texted Natalie before heading to a nearby mall.

It was nearing closing time, so the mall was relatively empty. After buying two sets of skincare products, she left and received a reply from Natalie: filming had wrapped.

As she walked back to the café, her phone rang. "Skylar, come to Avalon Residence and explain the situation with the painting! Uncle Ernest and the others think I'm stirring up trouble. They say such a valuable painting couldn't be cursed, that you're making things up," Edwin's hurried voice said.

Skylar's voice turned cold. "It doesn't matter whether they believe it or not."

"I don't care, you need to come over quickly!" Edwin demanded angrily.

"I haven't dealt with the painting yet," Skylar retorted. "If you trust it's fine, I'll send it back and refund you."

Edwin's judgment had become increasingly unreliable in recent years. What did he hope to achieve by confronting the elders? Who would admit the painting was cursed and intended to harm him?

Edwin's tone softened. "No, you don't have to send it back... I'll step outside to talk to you."

Skylar heard a door open and close. Edwin continued, "You really can't help me? I don't want these nightmares. Besides, out of respect for my mother, you shouldn't ignore me, right?"

"If it weren't for Grandma, I wouldn't have helped you with that painting in the first place," Skylar replied.

"You…"

"Out of respect for Grandma, I'll warn you—stay away from those family members. This time, it's a painting. Next time, they could be after your life. Without Joe, taking your shares would be easy for them."

Skylar hung up. Ernest and the others undoubtedly possessed more than one painting; something else was at play. She sensed the person behind it would soon reveal themselves.

Lost in thought, someone bumped into her, nearly causing her to drop her skincare products. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you," the person apologized profusely.

After regaining her balance, Skylar looked up. To her surprise, she recognized the person. "Helena?"

Helena was equally shocked. "Skylar?"

Then, Skylar noticed Jeremy standing behind Helena.

Chapter 1248