Chapter 655


    Aiken fixed his gaze on Skr. “Hello,” he said, and thank you for your efforts.”


    “Skr, are you tired and hungry? Let’s have dinner now. It’s the perfect time for it,” Simona said.


    She watched their polite exchange, eager for them to connect. Simona was delighted with her


    choice of a future sister–inw.


    Charming women always surrounded Aiken, but none had captured his interest enough for


    marriage. Simona hoped to change that; she didn’t want him to remain single forever.


    While others couldn’t influence him, she believed Skr could.


    Skr checked the time. It was already 7:00 pm.


    “No need. I have other ns for the evening. Let’s have dinner another time,” Skr said.


    Just then, a WhatsApp message from Joe popped up on her phone. The text read, “Where are you?


    I’ll pick you up once I’m done.”


    Skr sent her location to Joe. “No need. I’m far from home.”


    Joe replied, “Parkinson Residence?”


    Skr responded, “Yes.”


    Looking up from her phone, Skr saw Simona’s disappointed expression.


    “Skr, you’ve done me a huge favor. I can’t let you leave without a meal. Please stay for dinner,”


    Simona pleaded.


    Aiken also spoke up. “Skr, please stay for dinner. I’ll have the driver take you home afterward.”


    “Yeah, Skr. Stay and have dinner with us. I usually eat alone, and it’s rare for my brother to be


    home early. It’s a special asion with you here. It’s been ages since the house was this lively,”


    Simona added. She was still using her charming tone.


    Reluctantly, Skr agreed. “Alright.”


    Joe knew Skr was at Parkinson Residence because of Simona, not Aiken. But Simona was


    connected to Aiken, aplex man.


    “Has Aiken been busytely?” Joe asked Paul.


    Paul shook his head. “Aiken is extremely secretive about what he does, but he’s definitely busy with


    something. Speakin of which, how did Aiken’s sistere to know Mrs. Martin? She might not be


    aware of howplicated Aiken is. Should we let her know?”


    2/2


    “She has her reasons for doing things. For now, there’s no need,” Joe said. He preferred not to


    interfere with Skr’s affairs. He was certain Skr was too intelligent to be


    manipted.


    Paul nced at the time. “Should we pick up Mrs. Martin?”


    “Picking her up might seem too deliberate. Let’s head back to Gxy Vi,” Joe decided. “Alright.”


    The dinner wasvish. The long table was filled with a variety of dishes. Both Floan and Wiscadian


    cuisines were meticulously prepared.


    Aiken asionally asked Skr questions about identifying genuine antiques, but the queries


    remained professional and did not delve into personal matters.


    The atmosphere was rxed and did not feel overwhelming.


    Skr exined theplex subject matter truthfully. Such knowledge could be dry and difficult for


    those without a genuine interest. Surprisingly, Aiken was captivated and offered insightful


    observations.


    Simona produced two amulets when the conversation shifted to amulets and simr items. “I spent a


    lot to have these made, but I’m not sure if they actually work. Aiken doesn’t believe in them, so he


    left them with me.”


    Skr took the amulets. Her brows furrowed as she quietly examined them.


    Noticing her reaction, Aiken asked, “Is there a problem with them?”


    *These aren’t amulets,” Skr replied gravely, wondering who was secretly selling such harmful


    items.


    ‘Not amulets? Then what are they?” Aiken asked urgently.


    Simona was shocked. “Aren’t they amulets? I’ve been wearing them for the past two years, except


    when bathing. They were made by a professional rmended by an elder, and we paid two


    million dors for them.”


    Skr frowned at the mention of two million dors. It was rming that such harmful objects could


    be sold at such a high price. “The symbols on these aren’t protective. Instead, they interfere with the


    wearer’s concentration.


    “You could think of it this way–a top student wearing one might struggle to focus on their studies,


    gradually falling behind until they be a poor student. Even someone driven in their career might


    lose motivation over time.”


    Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    “What?” Aiken, who rarely showed his emotions, stood up abruptly.


    Simona’s face turned pale, and her fork fell to the floor.


    Seeing their distress, Skr softened her tone. “It’s not toote to address this. You should burn


    them to prevent any further effects.”


    “Do you know why we’re so shocked, Skr? It’s because Aiken and I couldn’t figure out why I was


    struggling in my studies. We finally have an answer. I used to excel in my studies.


    “Beforest year’s college entrance exams, I was confident I would be the top science student


    in Jipsburg City. But two years ago, I lost interest in studying and started rebelling.


    “I began skipping sses and missing school. Aiken didn’t give up on me and sought out various


    psychologists to help me.


    “However, none of the method the psychologists used worked. I eventually lost all interest in


    studying and have een on a leave of absence ever since.