Chapter 812

"It's only been a few days," Caleb said. "Are the Ruells having trouble that quickly?" He was dumbfounded. Usually, misfortunes related to negative items didn't occur so swiftly; a series of unfortunate events typically unfolded over months, even a year.

Skylar, in contrast, remained calm. "It's not too fast. The Ruells will face more troubles. This is just the beginning."

Caleb's eyes widened. "Seriously? More trouble? I should give them a heads-up. I went to middle school with Hector Ruell. Maybe my warning will help."

Skylar didn't respond. Caleb's concern wasn't purely altruistic; the negative items frightened him. Their invisible harm and potential for further suffering left him uneasy.

After searching their school group chat, Caleb found Hector's WhatsApp contact information. Hector was Vera's cousin. He messaged Hector, but the message wasn't immediately read. Over an hour later, after Caleb had returned home, Hector finally saw it.

Caleb's message: "Hector, straight to the point: Has your family been experiencing problems lately? Vera bought two antiques at auction—negative items that could bring more misfortune, even endanger lives. Have your elders consult my grandfather as soon as possible."

Caleb sent a voice message. Minutes later, Hector replied: "Caleb, since high school and skipping college, you've turned to superstitions? Yes, we've had issues, but they were accidents. Is your family's business struggling? Trying to profit from our misfortune? You were irritating in school, and now you're even more ridiculous. Stick to legitimate pursuits."

Caleb was enraged. "Damn it! I should have stayed out of this!" He understood Alexander's frustration in warning Denton; offering help only to be met with ingratitude and criticism. He cursed inwardly, "Why should I care about their problems?"

Ignoring Hector, Caleb blocked him. Hector scoffed, dismissing Caleb's warning as nonsense.

Hours later, Joe, tired from work, massaged his temples. Paul asked, "Mr. Martin, haven't you been sleeping well lately?"

Joe gave him a cold glance—a look that clearly communicated, "What kind of stupid question is that?"

Paul realized his blunder; Joe's two daily coffees spoke volumes about his sleep deprivation. Thankfully, they were returning to Jipsburg tomorrow.

The car's quiet was broken by a ringing phone. Joe checked the caller ID: Jipsburg City.

"Hello?"

Paul overheard a woman's voice, coquettish in tone. "Joe, it's me. Are you busy? Am I bothering you?"

Joe's expression didn't change. "What happened?"

Vera's voice, filled with fear and barely controlled sobs, responded: "My house caught fire. My parents and I were injured, my dad badly. I thought I was going to die—such a terrible way to go. I realized there's something I haven't done, something I haven't told you… Joe, I never should have left Jipsburg." The fire had shattered her composure, leaving the once proud Vera terrified.