Chapter 821

Skylar took the emerald pendant and examined it closely. The pendant was quite old, though well-preserved. However, the emerald's quality was unremarkable.

Skylar recalled Charlene's family background. Her parents worked in factories, earning modest wages, and sending Charlene to college had been a significant challenge. However, Charlene now had a stable income, suggesting their financial situation was improving.

"Are you sure this pendant was passed down from your great-grandfather?" Skylar asked.

Charlene's eyes flickered, avoiding Skylar's gaze. "That's what my great-grandfather said," she replied. "No one in our family knows for sure if it's genuinely a heirloom. Skylar, can you tell me if it's real and how much it's worth?"

"It's a genuine emerald pendant from the Golden Age," Skylar stated, "but it wasn't passed down from your great-grandfather, was it? Charlene, your family shouldn't keep this item. You won't be able to handle the trouble it brings. Where did you get it? Who was the original owner?"

Skylar's gaze sharpened as she bombarded Charlene with questions, causing her face to pale. Charlene trembled uncontrollably, unable to meet Skylar's eyes. She hadn't anticipated this interrogation.

"I don't understand why you're doubting me," Charlene protested. "Skylar, we were college classmates and roommates! Why would you doubt me? Just because my family is ordinary doesn't mean we don't have anything valuable. I just hadn't mentioned it before. I remembered I have something to do, so thank you for today. I need to leave now."

Charlene quickly retrieved the pendant and attempted to leave.

Skylar frowned. "I'm not exaggerating," she warned. "Your family can't afford to keep this item. It could cost lives. This is a negative item, designed to target influential families. Ordinary people possessing it face ruin and disaster. If your great-grandfather truly passed it down, your family might not even be alive today."

Charlene's face paled. "It can't be that bad," she muttered. "If we can't keep it, we'll just sell it."

Without waiting for a response, Charlene left. As Skylar started to follow, her phone rang. It was Joe.

"I just spoke with Mr. Ruell Senior. He doesn't believe in negative items. You knew the Ruell family doesn't believe in such things, didn't you?"

"Yes," Skylar responded. "Mr. Gardner Senior personally informed them, but they don't believe. If they don't believe, there's nothing that can be done. However, even if they did, my two conditions remain unchanged and must both be met."

Joe paused. "Did you meet with Vera privately?"

Skylar raised an eyebrow, pressing her lips together. She wondered if Vera had complained to Joe and if he was about to question her.

"Yes, I've met her."

Joe fell silent. Skylar remained quiet.

"Where are you? I'll pick you up," Joe finally said.

"If there's nothing urgent, I won't be home early today," Skylar replied. "I still have some things to handle."

"Okay." Joe ended the call without further inquiry.

Skylar was surprised by Joe's lack of confrontation. As she prepared to leave, her gaze was drawn to something outside the window.