Chapter 96

Skylar was still amazed after entering the building.

George was interested in many things, and many items from his collections surprised her.

"Skye, take your time looking around," George said, worried she might tire.

Gloria, too, was interested in the collections. "I didn't know you'd collected so much," she said. "If Viola saw this, she'd think you'd wasted money."

"I wish she could see it," George replied, looking expectant. "She mentioned many of these things, but I'm not sure if they're authentic."

"I'm not sure when she'll be back," Gloria said, "but Skye can examine them. If she says it's fake, then it is."

George nodded. "Viola taught Skye everything, so her judgment is sound."

Meanwhile, Skylar examined each collection attentively, photographing anything suspicious with her phone. She ignored Gloria and George's conversation, focusing on her assessment.

After examining all the first-floor collections, she went to the second floor, where the items were less complex, mostly antique paintings. By the time she finished the third floor, night had fallen.

George and Gloria were resting on the first floor. Seeing Skylar descend, Gloria waved. "Take a break, dear. George has quite a collection! Are you tired?"

"I'm fine," Skylar smiled, her eyes shining. "I haven't seen such wonderful collections in a long time!" Her enthusiasm was evident.

George chuckled. "So? How many fakes?"

"Tell him quickly!" Gloria urged. "Let's see him upset!"

Skylar turned on her phone. "This colored vase is a fake, replicated in Jansdale. And this antique painting wasn't done by the painter who worked from 1368 to 1644 AD."

As Skylar showed the photos, George's face grew solemn, as did Gloria's. Seeing their reaction, Skylar hesitated.

Gloria noticed Skylar's pause. Her own tension eased as she smiled. "Skye, keep going. We're not upset about the number of fakes, but because those two items were gifts from an old friend."

"Old friend? I think your friend was deceived," Skylar said. "This emerald ware was used to store the remains of the deceased. Mr. Querbach, it's fortunate you kept it here. If it were in the living room or bedroom, you'd risk diseases like bone cancer." Skylar's expression was serious.

"What?" Gloria and George gasped in unison.

Skylar, knowing their friendship with Viola, said seriously, "You need to send the emerald ware away tomorrow at noon. A church would be a suitable place to prevent harming others."

"I'll do as Skye says," George said sternly.

Gloria looked at George earnestly. "We're old, but not dead yet! This is clearly upsetting. You must be more careful. Next time, let Skye examine gifts before bringing them home. Someone might be trying to harm you."

"I know, I know," George said. "I'll need your help in the future, Skye." His solemn expression softened, replaced by a gentle one.

"No trouble at all, Mr. Querbach," Skylar grinned.

Gloria glared at George. "Skye spent a long time examining your collection. Aren't you going to give her something nice?"