Kayla was stunned. Gabrielle’s opening words— “How did you know I have the map?”— caught her completely off guard. She instantly regretted the slip. She’d walked right into Gabrielle’s trap.

Gabrielle arched a brow, amusement evident. “Well, now I know.”

Kayla’s face paled, but her mind raced. Her family could no longer support her. She preferred surrendering the useless map in exchange for the Carrells' connections. Besides, if they deciphered the constellations, she might yet claim the legendary treasure!

Always adaptable, Kayla adopted an obedient smile. “Aunt Gabrielle, I can’t refuse your request. Here’s the map…”

She produced the map and offered it with both hands. Gabrielle’s approving glance rewarded her deference. “You’re sensible.”

“Aunt Gabrielle, I’ll need your support in the future.”

“That’s for sure. I’m always generous to my younger relatives.” Gabrielle tossed the map to her bodyguards without examining it. Her confidence in Kayla, or perhaps her certainty that Kayla wouldn't dare deceive her, was unclear.

“Bring the map to Pete,” she instructed.

“Got it.”

The bodyguards promptly obeyed. Kayla worried the map might be tampered with en route—a humorous, albeit disastrous, possibility—leaving her like Dexter and Myra, unable to account for its whereabouts.

Fortunately, her fears proved unfounded. Pete awaited in a downstairs car. Upon receiving the map, he immediately unrolled and examined it. Kayla, peering from the window, could only glimpse his pale, thin wrist adorned with a rosary bracelet.

Gabrielle asked, “Alright. What do you want?”

“Nothing special. I simply want to remain by your side, Aunt Gabrielle. To escape those thugs and learn from you.” Kayla’s reply was a partial truth, her ambition barely concealed.

Gabrielle stared at Kayla, praising her, “You’re far superior to your biological parents.” Then, glancing at the ingratiating Howell and Tabitha, she added with disdain, “You are failures as parents. Not only is your real daughter unlike you, but that girl you raised is also far more capable.”

Kayla sensed trouble when Gabrielle mentioned Felicia. Gabrielle knew too much; she’d been investigating—monitoring—everyone’s movements, including Felicia’s. This explained her knowledge of the map’s location.

Kayla felt relief at her wise decision. Had she defied Gabrielle, she would have lost the Carrells' protection.

That day, Kayla departed with Gabrielle. Howell and Tabitha, having observed from the sidelines, finally reacted. They hurried after them, attempting to ingratiate themselves. “Gabrielle, what about us? Which car?”

Gabrielle paused—a rare occurrence. “Didn’t I give you money? That’s payment for your services. Are you seriously considering going to Seldvale with me?”

“C–Can’t we?” Howell cautiously probed.

Gabrielle snapped, speechless, “What do you think?”

Kayla scoffed, rudely addressing Howell, “You should go about your day. Look at yourself in the mirror!”