Chapter 169

In the Weston residence, Norman, dressed in a suit, stood before a floor-to-ceiling window, cane in hand. The lush grounds boasted various plants, fountains, and swimming pools.

"Grandpa, how did you know Lawrence?" Tobias, seated on a study sofa, asked his grandfather. Norman and Lawrence had met at Langford Tower to strategize against Denton and Gilmore. It was clear Norman and Lawrence had a long-standing relationship, but Tobias couldn't inquire about it in front of Lawrence. Only then, with Tobias's father present, did Tobias voice his suspicions.

"Your grandfather was once a martial arts practitioner in a Sunsbury sect that maintained close ties with the Black Hawks," said an older man in his fifties, sitting on another sofa. Dressed in a suit and tie, he looked like a successful businessman—Tobias's father, Thomas Weston.

Thomas continued, turning to his son, "Later, your grandfather's sect was embroiled in a deadly feud with other sects. During the ensuing conflict, the sect was destroyed. Your grandfather and a few others escaped, seeking refuge with the Black Hawks—an old friendship allowed them safe harbor. Lawrence helped your grandfather and the others, hence their acquaintance."

Surprised, Tobias exclaimed, "Grandpa, you were with the Black Hawks?"

Norman turned, waving a hand dismissively. "No, we were only sheltered for a few days, out of respect for our old friendship. Once we recovered, and the situation calmed, the Black Hawks, to avoid further entanglement, allowed us to leave."

"They were ruthless—only a few days?" Tobias was indignant. Norman remained calm. "My sect was destroyed; the Black Hawks had no reason to antagonize them further by shielding us. They did what they could."

Norman then looked at Tobias and Thomas. "I didn't expect to meet Lawrence again at Langford Tower. With his help, we can deal with Denton and obtain the treasure map."

Thomas's eyes gleamed with shrewdness. "Dad, the Carter family's high-tech business is incredibly profitable. Eliminating Denton allows us to seize Carter Semiconductors and their assets."

Norman smiled coldly. "The Carter family's wealth is, at most, ten billion. But Denton possesses a treasure map leading to an emperor's thousand-year-old treasures—thousands of times more valuable."

Thomas, despite knowing rumors of the King's Treasure Map, was still shocked. He'd always considered the Carter family's wealth the ultimate prize. Even Tobias was stunned.

After a moment, Tobias asked, "Grandpa, is there really that much treasure?"

Norman replied, "Of course! How many have died seeking this map?" He added, "In three days, at the gathering of the top ten families, everything proceeds as planned."

Thomas and Tobias solemnly replied, "Yes!"

A knock sounded. Norman asked, "What is it?"

"Sir, Lawrence and his son left, claiming prior engagements. Should we follow?" Mr. Johnson asked from outside.

Norman frowned. "No need."

"Yes, sir."

Tobias questioned, "Grandpa, why did Lawrence leave? Is he eager to act against Gilmore and Denton at the party?"

Norman raised a hand. "No. As a top Black Hawks master, he wouldn't easily change his commitment. He likely has other matters."

Tobias was puzzled. "Then why not have Mr. Johnson follow?"

Norman explained, "A top-level martial artist like Lawrence would detect surveillance. It would damage our friendship and jeopardize our collaboration."

Tobias admired his grandfather's foresight.

"Tobias, is Benjamin under surveillance?"

Thomas assured him, "Grandpa, don't worry. He's under close watch—two intermediate and nine inferior external force martial artists."

Norman mused, "Lawrence likely doesn't know Benjamin has the map. The chances of him discovering Benjamin are slim."

However, Lawrence had gone to LibertyShield Insurance. He and Clive arrived at the Juniper Insurance building, proceeding to the fifth floor—a storage area Gilmore had previously visited. Lawrence sought bank cards and password letters Cooper and Dean had placed in a safe. Cooper's final letter, a contingency plan, revealed this location. The letter stated that if Cooper died, all the money in the safe should go to his avenger.

Lawrence went to Safe No. 0088, entering the password. The safe opened, but the black handbag mentioned in the letter was missing. Instead, a note read, "Hey, old man, why so slow? I already took it!" —Signed: Masked Man in Black. Gilmore, using his "God's Eye" power, had anticipated Lawrence's visit and left the note as a taunt.

Clive asked, "Dad, who's the Masked Man in Black?"

Lawrence, grim-faced, went to Safe No. 1577, which was also empty, containing only another taunting note from the Masked Man in Black. Enraged, Lawrence tore the note to pieces.