Chapter 259
Yuliana was genuinely panicking. She thought, “Is Jonathan really severing all ties with the Sullivan family by returning this item? Nina can't leave his protection; they're powerless against Whitney.” She realized his earlier words were merely a test of Jonathan's reaction. Nina hadn't woken up yet, and he was truly leaving.
Jonathan stopped and calmly turned around. “I understand,” he said. “This is one of the keys to the four great families' century-old treasure.”
He continued, “Each family's heirloom serves as a key, but all four are needed to open the treasure.”
In Betrico's elite circles, a legend circulated among the four great families. A hundred years ago, during the Republic era, three of these families—the Xenos, Sullivan, and Seton families—were powerful warlords. The Donovan family was also among them. They ruled Betrico, dividing the land and accumulating vast wealth amidst the chaos of the warlord era. Eventually, the warlord era ended, forcing most families to flee overseas. However, their immense wealth and gold couldn't be transported, so the four families collaborated to create a treasure vault, hiding their riches in an ancient mountain temple.
They created a magically sealed door, requiring four keys—tokens crafted from pink sphene—to unlock the secret passage. Only by inserting all four keys could the treasure be accessed.
Descendants of these warlords—the Sullivan, Xenos, and Sexton families—remain prestigious, century-old families. After the new government's establishment, the four families returned, quietly rebuilding their power. The Sexton family monopolized oil and grain, the Sullivans established a bank, the Xenos family controlled trading companies, and the Donovans started an overseas shipping company. These descendants quickly rose to prominence.
Aware of the legendary family treasure, the four families united, monopolizing different industries and intermarrying. However, during Mr. Bennett's generation, the Donovan family was mysteriously massacred overnight, their clan falling into decline. Their heirloom—a pink gemstone—circulated on the black market, sought after by the remaining three families. Ultimately, a mysterious figure—Clifford—purchased it.
The Bennett family, the last to emerge among the four, was built from the ground up by Clifford, starting with a small cargo ship and becoming a shipping tycoon, effectively acquiring most of the Donovan family's businesses. The Bennetts swiftly rose to become the leading family. Clifford's background remains shrouded in mystery. Rumors, though unspoken, persist that he eliminated the Donovan family and seized their assets.
Over time, these four families—with their solid foundations and international experience—nearly monopolized Betrico's business chains, reaching their peak. However, the century-old treasure legend wasn't passed down to all descendants; Jonathan's generation, for instance, largely remained unaware.
Yuliana continued, explaining that the treasure was a closely guarded secret shared among the four families, typically passed down to only one person in each generation. “The four keys are the families' heirlooms,” she stated. “Your Bennett family has a pink gemstone pendant; the Sullivans, a pink medallion; the Xenos, a pink gemstone lock; and the Sextons, a pink lucky knot.”
She added, “Centuries ago, it contained tens of millions in gold and countless priceless treasures. Finding it would be enough to buy several small countries. For the Bennetts, it means becoming the world's richest family, ensuring prosperity for centuries, and freeing you from Whitney's control. Her wealth is insignificant compared to this ancient treasure. You could hire the world's most powerful mercenary army or even buy a small country. No one could oppose you. Don't you desire that?”
Yuliana understood Jonathan's ambition. Even if he didn't covet the treasure, Whitney inevitably would discover the secret and seek the keys. Jonathan had little choice.
Jonathan remained calm. “It's just a century-old legend, possibly untrue,” he said. “The four families have searched for a century without finding the mountain temple. The treasure isn't easily obtained.”
“But you have the skills; you're the most likely to find it,” Yuliana countered. She continued, “The Sullivan and Sexton families now rely on the Bennetts. For years to come, we'll depend on you. I hope you become the head of the Bennett family; otherwise, the Sullivans are doomed.”
Jonathan responded, “Don't be so pessimistic. Preston is still a Sullivan. Even if I lose to Whitney, he won't let her destroy the family.”
Yuliana pointed out that Preston only holds the Sullivan name, granted by Mr. Bennett's promise of inheritance. Once he inherits, Whitney would still threaten the Sullivans.
“We aren't afraid of death, but Nina is already suffering. Do we want to condemn her to further hardship?” Yuliana asked.
Jonathan replied, “If I lose, I'll die first; this is pointless.”
Yuliana urged, “This power struggle affects more than your life; it involves the lives of those dependent on you.”
Jonathan asked, “So, what's your point?”
Yuliana closed the sandalwood box, returning it to Jonathan. “I have nothing more to say. There's no future for you and Nina. I'll try to convince her to accept that. But please, Mr. Bennett, remember your promise. Ensure Nina's safety. I return this pendant as a further token of my allegiance.”
Jonathan had built a protective net around Nina, and it remained intact. He accepted the pendant and said, “Regarding the Sullivan family, I hope to avoid a major conflict. You can seek business or financial compensation. As for Celine…”
Yuliana stated, “Celine can't literally replace Nina's leg, but we can't ignore this. Since you're mediating, please convey my message to the Sexton family: If they send Celine abroad for five years and transfer 5% of Sexton Group shares under Celine's name to Nina, the matter will be resolved. Nina's leg is worth that, wouldn't you say?”