Chapter 851

Subtly, this reinforced the Ruell family's belief that Joe and Vera would eventually marry. Joe occasionally glanced at Skylar with the intensity of a man gazing at his beloved, his eyes filled with focus and concern. Patricia felt a warning bell sound. They had assumed the arranged marriage between the Ruell and Martin families would proceed smoothly, but an unexpected rival had seemingly appeared.

After Skylar entered Grimwood Residence, Patricia gave her a floor-by-floor tour. Grimwood Residence was roughly the size of Gloria's Pearlhall Residence, making the tour lengthy. On the third floor, where Denton kept his private collection, Skylar's expression turned serious. She immediately noticed the painting Vera had contested with Alexander at the auction. "There's something wrong with this painting. Take it down and give it to me later."

Patricia photographed the painting before instructing a maid to remove it, then sent the photo to the family group chat. Skylar carefully examined the room. Finding nothing else amiss, she declared, "Other than that, there are no other negative items." Patricia breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. That's good to know."

"Ask Vera about the antique she won at the auction," Skylar continued. "Where is it being kept?" Patricia immediately tagged Vera in the family group chat, relaying Skylar's question verbatim. The group chat erupted; the painting was a gift from Vera to Denton, and everyone blamed her.

Joe, silently observing Skylar's calm handling of the situation, watched with softening admiration. Skylar produced a wrapped talisman, handing it to Patricia. "Keep this with you. Later, take it to the hospital for Mr. Ruell Senior. He should keep it with him. After two months, its effect will dissipate."

Patricia secured the talisman. "I just asked Vera about the other antique. She said it was likely destroyed in the fire." Skylar frowned. "It should still be here. Otherwise, your family wouldn't be experiencing these consecutive incidents. Take me to their house so I can check for myself." Having accepted their payment, she felt obligated to thoroughly address the Ruell family's problems. Patricia agreed; the family's safety was paramount.

However, gazing at the talisman, a doubt surfaced. She questioned Skylar's purported power.

Skylar turned to Joe. "Going to the Ruell Residence might take a while, and it's getting late. Do you want to head home first?"

Joe replied immediately, "No need. I'll go with you." Skylar nodded.

As they headed to the Ruell Residence, Patricia privately messaged Vera: "Do you know about the relationship between Joe and Skylar? Something unusual is happening. You've been away for years, and it seems Joe doesn't want to wait for you anymore. Skylar might be a significant obstacle to your marriage."

Vera's reply was swift: "Skylar won't be an obstacle for me." The simple statement revealed her pride and ambition. Patricia smiled; Ruell women never surrendered easily. Besides, no other man like Joe existed in Jipsburg City.

They arrived at the Ruell Residence, a villa ravaged by fire. Workers cleaned the debris under the maids' supervision. Patricia learned the location of Vera's belongings and instructed a maid to lead them to her room.

Chapter 852