Chapter 819

Joe said, "The Ruell family has experienced a series of suspicious incidents recently. I've made discreet inquiries, and it appears Mr. Ruell Senior collects antique paintings. Could these antiques be connected to their troubles?"

Skylar replied coldly, "Yes, their problems stem from negative items."

"In that case, I'll inform them," Joe said promptly.

Skylar continued, "If they require my assistance, I have two conditions: Vera must personally beg for my help, and they must transfer twenty million dollars upfront. I'm arriving at my stop now, so I'll hang up."

Skylar ended the call immediately. She had, in fact, reached her destination. Joe's reaction to her demands did not concern her.

Joe stared at his phone, slightly stunned by her conditions.

Ten minutes later, Joe reappeared in Denton's ward. Vera's eyes gleamed with triumph as she witnessed his return. She had been right; Skylar was no match for her, and Joe's earlier elevator conversation had been a test. The earlier power imbalance with Skylar still unsettled her.

"Joe, is there something you need?" Denton asked weakly. To the older generation, Joe was a highly successful and famously aloof figure. Denton was surprised by his return. He suspected Vera was the reason. Few in Jipsburg City could compare to her.

Joe said, "Mr. Ruell Senior, I need to speak with you privately."

Denton's face brightened. He recalled Joe's firmness with the Martin family at the Avalon Residence and now this private request. It was a chance to gauge Joe's commitment to Vera, a chance he knew Vera was also keenly aware of. She had recently created distance in their relationship, wanting to ensure Joe understood she wasn't easily won.

Vera's heart quickened, but she spoke calmly, "Alright. Grandpa, I'll return to my ward to rest. You two can talk."

With a cold nod to Joe, she left.

After Vera's departure, Denton straightened and said, "Joe, if you have something to say, just say it."

"Mr. Ruell Senior, have you considered that your family's recent misfortunes might not be mere coincidences?" Joe asked seriously.

Denton frowned hesitantly. "Not coincidences? What do you mean?"

Chapter 820

"It's possible some of your antique collection contains negative items, bringing misfortune," Joe stated plainly.

Denton was startled. "Negative items?" He frowned. "Joe, when did you start believing in such things? Did Mr. Gardner Senior mention them? Is that why you suspect our family's incidents are connected?"

"I've never believed in such things. You're still young; it's best not to either."

"Has Mr. Gardner Senior already spoken to you about this?" Joe's gaze darkened. He recalled Skylar's conditions, suggesting unknown recent events.

Denton nodded. "He did. There are reasons for it. Since you respect Mr. Gardner Senior, I won't elaborate. Our family's situation is simply a series of unfortunate accidents and coincidences."

Joe regarded Denton with a profound gaze and hummed thoughtfully. Denton felt uneasy under his intense stare. "Is… Is there something else you need to discuss? I'm in good spirits today; we can have a detailed conversation." He doubted Joe's return was solely about so-called negative items.