Chapter 286 (or 786 – unclear which is correct)

After entering, Skylar saw a man standing behind Alexander. He had a head of white hair and a chubby, round face, looking like a kind old man.

“This is Cameron Yates,” Alexander introduced.

“Good day, Mr. Yates Senior. I’m Skylar,” she replied.

Cameron smiled and nodded. “Viola always had a keen eye for people,” he praised. “What an intelligent young woman.” They had traveled the world for decades, encountering countless people, often discerning character at first meeting. Skylar, personally chosen by Viola, was unlike any other girl.

Alexander chuckled briefly. “Skye, come see this painting Mr. Yates Senior brought.” He led Skylar directly into the guest room.

It was another painting, seemingly from the classical era; the water appeared almost lifelike, trickling down the stream.

Cameron examined the painting on the table. “I saw this at an auction recently,” he explained. “The owner’s family died mysteriously, his company went bankrupt, and he sold it. The moment I saw it, I knew something was wrong.”

Alexander continued, “After Cameron told me, I invited him to Jipsburg to prevent any mistakes. We can only confirm its nature after you examine it.”

Skylar glanced at the painting. “Let me look.”

After a thorough examination, she relaxed. Before she could speak, loud noises erupted from the adjacent room. The hotel's excellent soundproofing usually prevented such disturbances, but the racket from the neighboring room was unavoidable. A woman was shrieking. The situation was clear.

Alexander and Cameron frowned, while Skylar feigned ignorance. “There seems to be nothing wrong with the painting,” she stated.

Cameron froze. “Are you sure?” he confirmed.

“Yes.”

Alexander observed, “It seems that family’s fate wasn’t connected to this painting.” He sighed in relief. He'd feared the negative items were scattered across the country; leaving Jipsburg would have put them out of reach. An idea suddenly struck him: Viola had left Jipsburg, her whereabouts unknown. Had she known about this?

Cameron also exhaled. “That’s great. I never wanted history to repeat itself. Thank God it was all in my imagination.”

“It’s good to be alert,” Alexander responded.

Skylar listened to Cameron’s account of decades-past events, recognizing elements of a story Viola may have mentioned. Someone had attempted to use negative items to wreak havoc. Initially undetected, many fell victim, until the perpetrators were apprehended and the chaos stopped.

“Mr. Yates Senior, remain vigilant even at home,” Skylar advised. “If anything seems amiss, contact Mr. Gardner Senior.”

Cameron grinned and nodded. “Alright.”

The noises from the next room intensified, becoming impossible to ignore. The three eventually left the room. Before departing, Skylar glanced at Room 2306, believing she'd heard Mr. Martin mentioned.

Chapter 20

A familiar sound, marred by sobs, reached her ears. Skylar couldn't identify the voice. Was someone role-playing?

Two hours later, Jenny emerged from the hotel, looking battered. Her cab driver, noticing her distress, asked, “Miss, are you alright? Should I call the police?” Her condition, coupled with her leaving a hotel, raised concerns about potential harassment.

Jenny shook her head, refusing the police report. “No, I’m fine. Please, just take me home.” She didn't want to dwell on what had happened.