Not long after, Jameson returned with Lauren and Francesca from their quick tour around the villa.
Once everyone had taken their seats, Andrew looked at Tiana and spoke frankly. “Mrs. Rhodes, the two map fragments I had on me were taken. Right now, the question is–should we try to take them back, or is there another way to stop Mosby and Rafael?”
Tiana arched a brow. “Why stop them? Isn’t this perfect? Ever since the fall of the Fallen Crimson Dynasty, no one’s gotten this close to reassembling the full map. If the treasure map is finally complete, that means we’re closer than ever to uncovering the legendary vault–it could be just around the corner,”
Jameson nodded thoughtfully. “That’s true. The Rhodes family has spent generations safeguarding our piece of the map. Even though our bloodline has endured, that fragment has always been a ticking time bomb. One mistake, and it could wipe out our entire clan.
“The Bates of Oak Apothecary were wiped out over this. They’re the cautionary tale. I don’t want the Rhodes family to follow that same tragic path. If we lost the map, then so be it. Perhaps we were never meant to control it in the first place.”
Tiana snorted. “You’re only half right. Yes, losing the fragment means we’re no longer in possession of it. But that doesn’t mean our family should wash our hands clean and walk away.
“If the full map is now complete, then what lies behind it–the treasure, the secrets–no one knows for sure. But one thing’s certain: the Rhodes family deserves a share of whatever’s found.”
Jameson looked stunned. “Are you out of your mind? You actually want to join the hunt?”
Tiana chuckled coldly. “What else did you think I was planning? You think I’d just let our family’s piece get stolen, and let Andrew’s fragment get snatched away, without a second thought? The whole point of letting Mosby and Rafael run wild is to let them do the dirty work. Once the treasure shows itself, the Rhodes family makes its move.”
Jameson slapped the table. “This is insane! Tiana, let me be clear. This so–called ‘treasure‘ from the Fallen Crimson Dynasty? No one even knows where it is, or what’s really inside.
“It could be gold and jewels. It could be an entire secret realm, or it could be hiding something terrifying. But there’s one thing I do know. Along with the fragment passed down to us, there’s always been a warning.
“Every direct descendant entrusted with the map has been told–never, ever desire the treasure. Never try to reassemble the full map. Because if you do, the family will fall, and you’ll be marching straight into death.”
Tiana rolled her eyes. “That old speech again? That kind of superstition was just created to make the treasure more mysterious –and to keep it hidden longer. Let’s be real. It’s all a way to protect the treasure from being found too easily.”
Jameson shook his head. “It’s not that simple. This warning has been passed down through the Rhodes family for generations.
“My father–Lauren’s grandfather–told me face–to–face: even if the Rhodes family is pushed to the edge of extinction, we must never chase the treasure. Because what comes next… would be even worse than extinction.”
Tiana frowned and looked ready to argue again, but Lauren jumped in quickly. “Dad, Mom can you both please stop fighting? Let’s hear what Andrew has to say.”
Jameson exhaled and nodded. “You’re right. Andy, what do you think?”
Tiana spoke again before Andrew could answer. “We’re talking about a treasure passed down from the last era of feudal rule- something that’s tormented and destroyed multiple noble families across generations.
“If you seriously believe there’s nothing inside that vault, no hidden power, no overwhelming riches–you’re lying to yourself. And now that we’re this close to uncovering it? If we stand by and do nothing, we’ll just watch others get rich beyond imagination.
“But if we manage to seize it first, it’ll change everything–overnight. It won’t just be wealth. It’ll be power. We could rise to the top and become a dominant force, untouchable and unstoppable.”
