Chapter 582

Joe had been in a meeting. Half an hour in, he saw Skylar’s missed calls and texts. He checked the time and returned her call.

His call connected after a few seconds. He asked, "I was in a meeting. Are you already on your way?"

As he spoke, Skylar heard the click of his lighter. She replied, "Yeah, we've already left. We're on the highway now."

Joe flicked open his lighter, but didn't light a cigarette. He looked down, a cold glint in his eyes. He said, "When you get there, text me."

"Alright."

"Be careful," Joe added.

Skylar's eyelashes fluttered. "Alright, don't worry. I'll take care of myself."

The moment she hung up, Skylar felt a pang in her heart. It was unsettling.

Alexander smiled. "Was that Joe?"

Skylar shook off her thoughts. "Yeah. I told him I wouldn't be home tonight. I was afraid he'd worry."

Alexander nodded cheerfully. "Joe's a good kid. He's also a little vulnerable. Only his grandmother really spoiled him growing up. Men can be stubborn. Though he seems uncaring, he values a few people deeply. I can tell he cares for you."

"He's good," Skylar agreed.

Alexander, even at his age, was perceptive. He saw what they were going through, but didn't comment. They would only truly understand once they experienced it themselves. It didn't matter how much advice elders gave; they probably wouldn't understand anyway.

They were a good pair. He'd let them find their own way and learn their lessons.

A few hours later, they arrived in Liberty County. Despite being rural, Harry lived in a mansion—a mini-estate, unique to the village. The county's sparse population made the estate seem even quieter. It was a great place to retire, to find peace and focus on spiritual growth. Many people built mansions there after consulting fortune tellers.

Before entering the estate, Skylar felt it was well-chosen; the place felt relaxing. However, the moment she stepped onto the property, her heart sank, and a chill ran down her spine.

Harry was a nice man. Alexander had explained Harry's background on the way. He had five sons and two daughters. Three sons had fallen ill over the past two years and were very weak. His other two sons were healthy, living overseas. His daughters had recently faced a series of terrifying events: a car accident and near-drowning incidents. Danger seemed to constantly plague them. Harry's health had also deteriorated; he needed a wheelchair, otherwise he'd be breathless after a few steps.

Under these circumstances, Harry had consulted fortune tellers, who examined his mansion and ancestral graves, finding nothing amiss. Multiple diviners agreed. Harry could only attribute it to coincidence or bad luck, dismissing the idea of black magic.

Alexander hadn't told Harry who was coming, fearing disappointment.