Chapter 249

When they reached Chad Doherty’s door, Skylar changed her mind. “Let’s see Mrs. Doherty Senior first.”

Frank was momentarily stunned. “Okay,” he replied.

They changed direction. As they approached her room, a maid emerged and greeted Frank respectfully.

“I just gave Mrs. Doherty Senior her medicine, as the doctor instructed, but she’s still uncomfortable. She keeps complaining of a headache and leg pain,” the maid said worriedly.

Frank nodded. “All right. Please continue with your work.”

Entering the room, he turned to Skylar. “Grace has been like this for a while. She often complains of headaches and leg pain.”

“Did the doctor’s medicine have no effect?” Skylar inquired.

Frank sighed, helpless. “It only relieves her headache.”

Inside, they saw a haggard old woman with pale skin and gray hair. Grace Tanner lay thin and frail beneath the quilt. She remained asleep, her eyes closed, brow furrowed, and lips tightly pressed together, unaware of their presence.

They noticed she was trembling slightly.

Frank approached the bed, his eyes reddening as he gazed at Grace, still suffering despite sleeping. Joe stood behind Skylar, watching her calmly observe.

Suddenly, the door opened.

“Dad? Do we have guests…? M–Mr. Martin.”

Frank frowned at the unexpected arrival of his youngest son, Nigel. “Go downstairs and wait.”

“Ah, okay.” Nigel glanced at Joe, then at Skylar with curiosity.

After Nigel left, Frank explained, “Skye, Gloria asked me not to tell anyone about you and Joe until she makes a formal announcement. So, I won’t introduce you to my family yet.”

“It’s okay,” Skylar replied gently.

He turned to Joe. “Sit down and relax, Joe.”

Joe nodded and sat down.

“Skye, can you see what’s happening?” Frank asked nervously.

Skylar went to the nearby walk-in closet. Its transparent wall revealed the clothes inside. Her attention was drawn to a traditional dress.

“Is this the collectible traditional dress Mrs. Doherty Senior bought?” Skylar asked.

Frank was puzzled by her question. He shook his head. “That dress isn’t a collectible. Nigel gave it to Grace for her birthday. She loved it and wore it often, but she’s been unwell for the past two days and hasn’t worn it.”

The dress appeared delicate, a rare handmade piece with an unusual pattern.

Joe glanced at the dress, then stood and approached Skylar. “Is something wrong with the dress?”

Frank’s eyes widened. “Something wrong with it?”

“I think so,” Skylar said, retrieving the dress from the closet.

The gold threads and pearls shimmered brightly under the lights, obscuring the pattern.

At first glance, the pattern seemed delicate and exquisite against the gold and pearls. However, it was a seal imbued with negative energy; otherwise, the pearls wouldn't have retained their brilliance for a century.