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Naturally, Andrew refused and said, “Mr. Bates, this treasure map has been tied to your family’s legacy for generations. You can’t just hand over something this important to me. I can’t accept it.”
However, Ronan shook his head. “Mr. Lloyd, don’t think of his as something you’re unworthy of or need to feel guilty about taking. This partial map–rather than calling a gift, it’s more like we’re transferring a curse. Only by passing it on can we hope to survive.”
Still, Andrew did not take it. Instead, he asked, “So someone’s already after the map, aren’t they?”
Ronan’s eyes filled with seething hatred as he gritted his teeth. “You’re right. And the one after this partial map isn’t just anyone–it’s Mosby himself. People thought he kept attacking Oak Apothecary because he wanted to take over my practice.
“But that was just smoke and mirrors to distract the other big families. Mosby’s real goal has always been to get his hands on our family’s treasure map.”
Andrew’s expression darkened. “So that means… very few people know the Bates family has the map, right?”
After all, a treasure map–especially one tied to the Crimson Dynasty’s Ten Great Treasures–was the kind of thing people would kill for. If it really led to one of those treasures, anyone who found it could become rich beyond imagination.
Yet somehow, the Bates family, with no real power or influence, had managed to hold onto it for this long. That could only mean one thing–very few people knew it even existed.
Ronan chuckled. “You catch on fast, Mr. Lloyd. You’re absolutely right. Hardly anyone knows the Bates family is in possession of a partial treasure map.
“If it were common knowledge, those greedy elite families and power–hungry sects would’ve already snatched it from us. Mosby only found out by accident. It was never something we intended to reveal.”
He paused, and a sorrowful smile appeared on his face. “Janice’s father, Peter, was supposed to be my successor. But back then, my foolish son admired Mosby’s medical skill and insisted on becoming his apprentice.
“Mosby may be talented, but he’s also manipulative and ruthless. He used Peter to dig up the truth about our family’s map. And once he knew… he started plotting to steal it.
“In the end, he tried to pressure Peter, using their relationship as mentor and apprentice, to betray us and take the map. Thankfully, my boy had a shred of conscience left and never stole it. But because of that… because of that
Ronan’s voice cracked, and he choked back sobs.
However, Andrew already knew how that story ended. His voice turned cold. “So Peter stayed loyal. He didn’t steal the map… and Mosby punished him
for it. He killed Janice’s dad, didn’t he?”
Ronan broke down in tears, his voice hoarse. “He whipped Peter for three days and nights, trying to force me to hand over the map. I was ready to give it up, just to save Peter’s life.
“But Mosby wasn’t satisfied–he wanted to humiliate us. He ordered that Ellis–you know, the punk you dealt with–break Peter’s arms and legs… and cut out his tongue. My poor son couldn’t take the pain anymore. He swallowed poison and took his own life…”
Andrew had seen all kinds of power struggles and grudges in his time, but the tragedy of Ronan’s family lit a fire in his chest. His fury surged like a sudden explosion.
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Chapter 1222
He growled, “Mosby is a vicious, power–hungry monster. He deserves to die!”
Ronan said grimly, “I can feel it–he’s running out of patience. Seems like he’s about to come after the map with everything he’s got. That’s why, Mr. Lloyd… you need to take the map and leav
