That same night, I reached out to a more authoritative Spiritual Master. Following his instructions, I removed Virginia's necklace and replaced it with a custom replica, then took the blood-red Cursed Jade Pendant straight to my uncle's farm.
I picked the fattest sow on the property and hung Dawn's pendant around its neck, then told my uncle to keep a close eye on it.
"Don't slaughter this one until I call you. Once everything's settled, I'll wire you half a million dollars. After that, you can butcher it or keep it. Your call."
My uncle nodded eagerly, practically bouncing on his heels.
"Don't you worry. She's a breeding sow. I need her for piglets. Unless she drops dead on her own, this one's going to spend her whole life giving birth!"
I stared at the fat, floppy-eared sow and smiled coldly to myself.
Dawn always did love a thrill. I'd make sure she got one.
After leaving the farm, I paid a premium to have the other pendant sealed inside the face of a Patek Philippe watch, then delivered it personally to the research institute where Clement worked.
When I arrived, he was still running data analysis, his profile sharp and composed, the picture of cool elegance.