Chapter 105
Lucy White and Michael Johnson had just stepped into the Johnson family villa when they spotted Grace White and the others waiting in the living room.
"Lucy, you're here." Grace beckoned her daughter warmly. "Come sit with us."
"Mom!" Lucy hurried over, settling beside her mother affectionately before greeting Rachel Johnson and Edward Johnson.
Michael stood straight and addressed Grace respectfully, "Aunt Grace."
Grace gave him a complicated look but quickly composed herself, nodding faintly in response.
"Sis!" Noah White's eyes lit up eagerly. "Did you bring Inklet?"
Lucy smiled and unzipped her backpack, carefully lifting out the tiny creature fast asleep inside. She had lined the bag with a soft blanket to create a cozy nest for the ink monkey, especially since she was wearing a dress today.
"You can hold him for a bit." She passed the little one to her brother.
"Thanks, sis!" Noah cradled Inklet gently. The monkey nuzzled into his palm before dozing off again.
Edward leaned in curiously, trying to play with the legendary ink monkey, only for the nimble creature to dodge his touch.
"..." Edward retracted his hand awkwardly and shot his son a glare. "This is your fault. Inklet won’t even let me pet him."
Michael: "???" How was this his fault?
During dinner, Grace and Rachel asked Lucy about her experiences on the deserted island. Edward chimed in occasionally, making the atmosphere warm and lively.
After the meal, Edward suddenly asked, "Lucy, are you free these next couple of days?"
"I am. Did you need something, Uncle Edward?" Lucy set down her teacup.
"A friend of mine is dealing with something strange at home. They asked for your help after hearing about what happened with the Wu family." Edward explained.
Lucy agreed without hesitation. "No problem. Just let me know when."
Edward made a call immediately and confirmed, "Tomorrow at 10 a.m. Does that work?"
"Sure. Send me the address—I’ll drive there myself." Lucy said.
Edward glanced at his silent son and sighed inwardly. This kid can’t even offer to drive her?
The next morning, Lucy arrived at a luxurious villa right on time. Edward and a weary middle-aged woman were already waiting at the entrance.
"This is Irene Powell. You can call her Aunt Irene." Edward introduced.
"Aunt Irene." Lucy greeted politely.
Irene forced a strained smile. "Master Lucy, hello!"
The three entered the living room, where a gaunt young man struggled to his feet weakly. "Uncle Edward. Master Lucy."
Edward was stunned. The vibrant young man he’d seen two months ago was now barely recognizable, his health deteriorated drastically.
Lucy studied Vincent Powell for a moment before asking abruptly, "Are you married?"
"Huh?" Vincent looked bewildered. "I don’t even have a girlfriend."
"Strange." Lucy frowned slightly. "Your marriage line clearly shows you’re already wed."
Irene and her son exchanged confused glances.
Lucy pressed further, "The nightmares you’ve been having—does a woman in red appear in them?"
Vincent’s eyes widened in shock. "How did you know?"
Irene paled. "Master Lucy, what—what does this mean?"
Lucy’s voice turned grave. "Your son has been bound in a ghost marriage. That woman in red is his 'spectral bride.'"
"That’s impossible!" Irene cried out. "Our family would never do something like this!"
Vincent panicked. "I don’t even know the woman in my dreams!"
Lucy’s gaze sharpened. "Have you received any strange betrothal gifts recently?"