[Chapter 13: Are You Calling Me an Idiot?]
Facing Scarlett's steady gaze, Daniel kept a calm smile and said, "This is Mr. Lawrence, my next-door neighbor, and he also deals in occult items."
Scarlett nodded suddenly, as if understanding something, and began filling out the check again.
"Ms. Johansson, you really shouldn't buy this. Please, don't buy it!" Lawrence shouted from outside, but Scarlett didn't pause for a second.
Soon, a $200,000 check was ready, and Scarlett handed it to Daniel. After verifying the check was valid, he carefully put it away.
Then, he handed the two prayer seals to Scarlett with instructions: "Ask your brother to Keep these on him at all times. When showering, place them in a waterproof pouch and he can wear them around his neck. Otherwise, malevolent forces could take advantage and invade."
Scarlett nodded seriously. "I understand. I'll make sure he follows this exactly."
She put the two seals into her handbag, stood up, and said, "Thank you, Mr. Cross. I need to rush to see my brother now, so I'm heading out."
Daniel walked her to the door. "Take care on the road."
...
As Scarlett stepped outside, Lawrence hurried over again. "Ms. Johansson, believe me, those are fakes and useless. He's tricking you."
Scarlett's expression darkened slightly. "Are you calling me an idiot who can't tell real from fake?"
Lawrence quickly backpedaled. "That's not what I meant, but those really are counterfeits."
"Thanks for the warning, but I can tell what's real and what isn't," Scarlett said firmly.
With that, she slipped into the car her bodyguard had opened.
Watching Scarlett wave goodbye to Daniel and leave, Lawrence stomped his foot in frustration. "What a complete fool! Celebrities really are clueless. Two pieces of paper for $200,000 -- she might as well have thrown the money into the ocean."
Daniel smiled faintly as he watched the furious Lawrence, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"What are you staring at?" Lawrence snapped. "When she finds out you scammed her, she'll definitely come back for revenge. Just wait."
After saying that, Lawrence stormed back into his shop, dark as night.
...
The neighbors nearby shared stunned looks, shocked that Daniel had sold two tiny pieces of paper for such an astronomical sum.
Their expressions were conflicted. Before, many had mocked Daniel for squandering his family's legacy and setting crazy prices, predicting Cross Hall would close down soon.
Now, they had been proven wrong, which was embarrassing.
At the same time, they felt a pang of envy.
After exchanging polite pleasantries, the neighbors slowly departed, each pondering their own thoughts.
...
Once Scarlett bought the Clarity of Mind and the Body Protection Seals, she immediately had her assistant book the next available flight to New York.
Her car sped toward the airport.
That afternoon, Scarlett met her brother Hunter at a coffee shop near NYU.
Though mentally prepared, Scarlett was still stunned by his appearance.
Hunter had lost a tremendous amount of weight; his eyes were heavily sunken with thick dark circles, his hair unkempt and slicked to his scalp. His gaze darted nervously as if haunted -- he looked utterly drained, as if his soul had been sucked out.
"Why do you look like this?" Scarlett felt a sharp pang of pain. She had always been close with Hunter -- they were only three minutes apart in age.
Hunter held his coffee cup but didn't drink. His eyes flicked from side to side, as if terrified some unseen monster was lurking nearby.
"What are you looking at?" Scarlett asked carefully.
"Amy... she just keeps appearing out of nowhere," Hunter said, panic thick in his voice. "No matter where I hide, she shows up. She knocks on my door, pounds on the window, and calls my name in this horrible voice."
Scarlett's eyes widened alarmingly. "Mr. Cross was right. As your girlfriend, she's targeting you -- she wants to take your life."
Hunter asked, "Who's Cross?"
"A powerful exorcist I found," Scarlett said, pulling the two seals from her bag. "Mr. Cross said these can protect you, and you have to keep them with you at all times."
Hunter stared at the tiny papers in her hand, stunned. "Were you scammed? How much did that cost?"
"$200,000," Scarlett replied.
Hunter froze, speechless for a long moment.
"Don't worry about the cost. Just keep them on and try them first," Scarlett urged.
"$200,000 can't be wasted. Even if they're fake, I'll wear them," Hunter said, taking the seals -- one in each hand.
He looked up skeptically. "I don't feel anything."
"Mr. Cross said for the Clarity of Mind Seal to work, you have to close your eyes and imagine it in your heart."
"That sounds vague. Kinda fake," Hunter muttered with a sigh. "Fine, I'll try."
He closed his eyes and pictured the seal in his mind.
Suddenly, his chaotic thoughts stilled.
All panic, worry, and fear melted away.
He felt an incredible sense of calm wash over him.
Opening his eyes, Hunter's face was stunned. "This..."
Seeing his astonishment, Scarlett asked eagerly, "Is it working?"
Hunter's eyes lit up with intensity. "It works! It really works! The effect is amazing. My heart feels so calm. I can't really explain it -- it's magical."
A spark of excitement returned to Hunter's face.
Scarlett smiled. "I told you it would work! Since the Clarity of Mind Seal is effective, the Body Protection Seal must be helpful too. Put it away safely."
"How do I use the Body Protection Seal?"
"Just carry it with you, but keep it dry. Don't let it get wet -- even when you shower," Scarlett explained.
"Got it." Hunter's doubts were gone.
His spirits lifted.
After dinner with Scarlett, Hunter returned to campus.
...
Scarlett stayed behind, waiting anxiously for any news.
At 10 PM, she received a call from Hunter at the Hilton Hotel.
His voice was excited, incredulous: "It's true! The seal really works. Amy came to look for me again just now. I opened the door, and she saw me -- and ran away on her own. She seemed scared of me."
Scarlett exhaled deeply. "That's great. You have to protect that seal. Don't let it get wet, and don't tell anyone else."
"I understand," Hunter agreed repeatedly.
After hanging up, Scarlett finally relaxed.
After a moment, she called Daniel.
"Mr. Cross, sorry to bother you."
"No," Daniel's calm voice came through. "Ms. Johansson, was there any trouble with the seals?"
"No, they're excellent. I gave them to my brother, and his girlfriend was scared off."
"Good," Daniel responded.
"Thank you, Mr. Cross. You've helped me a lot."
"You're welcome. If there's nothing else... Okay, bye"
He hung up and set the phone aside.
In front of him, a ritual altar was prepared. Daniel began performing a soul-guidance ritual.
Raising his hand, the Soul Guidance Seal burst into a silent flame, transforming into mysterious energy that spread into the void.
Daniel waved his sanctum blade and rang the ritual bell:
By sanctified word and consecrated ground,
By judgment entrusted and authority sworn,
Let no restless spirit deny this call.
Let the unseen hear, and let truth answer.
*****
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