Chapter 135

Hugo Shaw's assistant worked with remarkable efficiency, calling back in less than ten minutes.

"Mr. Shaw, we've found something," the assistant said, his tone grave. "The situation with the Powell family is... unnatural."

Hugo's grip on the phone tightened. "Explain."

As the assistant relayed the details, Hugo's expression darkened. By the time he hung up, his face was stormy.

Lucy White idly spun an ancient divination coin on the table before looking up. "Well?"

"You were right about everything." Hugo exhaled sharply, his voice laced with suppressed fury. "Every daughter married off from the Powell family—their husbands' families met with disaster."

Some lost their patriarchs to sudden accidents. Others saw their businesses collapse one after another. The few who didn't go bankrupt still fell from elite status into obscurity.

One or two cases could be coincidence. But every single marital alliance ending this way? That was no accident.

A sudden realization made Hugo go pale. "Master Lucy, my grandparents' health—"

"It's from having their life force drained," Lucy confirmed. "When fortune is siphoned away, the consequences range from financial ruin to death."

She calculated silently. "Your grandfather only suffered a concussion this time. Next, it could be a stroke. Your grandmother's heart condition will soon escalate to cardiac arrest."

"And after that..." Lucy paused. "Your parents will be next."

Hugo clenched his fist so hard the teacup in his hand creaked under the pressure.

"Six months ago," Lucy said abruptly, "the curse on you intensified."

Hugo's pupils contracted. Six months ago—he'd had a vicious fight with Penelope after his infidelity came to light. She'd sworn through gritted teeth that he'd pay for it...

"Master Lucy, can this curse be broken?" His voice trembled slightly.

"Yes, but it won't be easy." Lucy tapped the table with a fingertip. "The Powells have a formidable expert backing them. Directly dismantling the array is too risky."

She met Hugo's gaze. "You must undo the knot tied by the one who made it."

"You mean—"

"First, let the other victimized families learn the truth." A sharp glint flashed in Lucy's eyes. "Sever the marital ties binding the Powell daughters. Cut the connections, and the array weakens."

Hugo understood immediately. "I'll contact them at once."

"Once the array is broken, will our stolen fortune return?"

"Some of it will," Lucy said. "Not enough to restore your families to their former glory, but sufficient for the next generation to rebuild."

Her voice turned icy. "Leave it unchecked, and your descendants will remain nothing but fuel for the Powells' greed."

A chill ran down Hugo's spine. The thought that he'd nearly doomed his family deepened his hatred for the Powells.

"They'll pay for this," he growled. "Guide me, Master Lucy."

Lucy's lips curved slightly. "First, rally all the victims to confront the Powells. Ruin their reputation and connections."

"When their fortune wanes, I'll dismantle the array." The coin on the table suddenly stood upright, spinning in a slow circle. "Then, it'll be the Powells' turn to taste the backlash."

Hugo nodded solemnly. "I'll follow your instructions."

"One more thing." Lucy gave him a pointed look. "Cut ties with those... distractions."

Hugo coughed awkwardly. "Understood."

Since seduction tactics hadn't worked on Penelope, there was no point continuing the charade. Preserving the Shaw family's fortune was now his priority.

Outside the window, a dark cloud drifted across the sun.