Chapter 653


    “Are there ripe grapes in our orchard? Pick a few bunches and bring them in,” Simona instructed


    one of the nearby maids.


    Skr followed Simona. She mentally calcted the time, figuring she wouldn’t get home until


    around eight or nine o’clock in the evening


    During the drive, Simona mentioned the sheer volume of items, implying she would need to


    dedicate time to inspecting everything.


    Once inside the mansion, they went upstairs. The third floor wasn’t divided into rooms but filled with


    antique pieces.


    The array of items, big and small, was overwhelming. They ranged from paintings and antique


    pocket watches to bronze artifacts, emeralds, and emerald charms.


    “There are quite a few things,” Skr remarked, surprised.


    Simona felt slightly embarrassed. She exined, “My brother’s birthday was a few days ago, and


    he received a lot of items. I haven’t been up here for a couple of days and didn’t realize how much


    had umted.”


    Skr began examining the items systematically. With so many to assess, it would be a time–


    consuming task.


    Not wanting to disturb Skr, Simona quietly observed. It was her first time seeing Skr at work,


    and she was captivated by Skr’s focus and professionalism.


    Even as a woman, she found Skr’s focused demeanor incredibly charming. She thought that the


    men around Skr must be even more entranced by her–Caleb being a prime example. He was


    willing to be Skr’s assistant now.


    Skr pointed to several items. She instructed, “Take pictures of these first.”


    Simona immediately began taking photos.


    Half an hourter, a maid brought in washed grapes, other fruits and tea.


    “Skr, would you like to sit down, have some tea, and eat some fruit? I’ve just asked them to


    prepare dinner,” Simona offered.


    She expected Aiken home soon. He had called that morning to say he would join her for dinner.


    Originally, she hadn’t anticipated Skr’s visit today, thinking she woulde in a couple of days.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    “No need, I’m not hungry yet. Let’s finish looking through everything first,” Skr replied, her eyes


    fixed on the paintings she was examining. They were well–preserved and clearly


    valuable.


    At that moment, a voice interrupted. “The maid mentioned you brought a friend over?”


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    Simona spun around at the sound of Aiken’s volce. “Aiken!” she eximed.


    Aiken looked at Skr, concerned after hearing Simona had brought someone directly to the third


    floor. The third floor contained incredibly valuable items, making it a tempting target for greed.


    Simona’s kind nature made her easily deceived, and Aiken was


    determined to protect her.


    As his gaze fell on Skr’s profile, he paused, recognizing a familiar look.


    Upon hearing their conversation, Skr turned to face him directly. Aiken’s eyes widened in


    surprise. No wonder she seemed familiar.