Kayla was momentarily captivated by Pete's tender, soft gaze; she could have drowned in it. Her face flushed crimson with shyness. For a fleeting moment, she felt all the hardships of their arduous journey had been worthwhile, especially given Pete's consideration. Her heart brimmed with sweetness.
After her bashfulness subsided, she finally processed his statement. They had arrived? Arrived where? Looking around, there was no sign of any kingdom. Could it be so miniature she couldn't see it?
Kayla wanted to ask, but Pete's gaze was already fixed ahead. The group ahead had begun to argue. They had reached the map's designated spot, but saw only towering canyon walls and a pile of strange rocks. There was no trace of the treasure they craved.
Soon, the crowd turned their frustration toward Pete, their tone increasingly hostile.
“Mr. Carrell, there’s nothing here! Are you deliberately misleading us?”
“Exactly! We’ve trekked through these mountains for days because of you. If you’re hiding something, don’t blame us for turning on you!”
“Explain yourself, Mr. Carrell. Otherwise, your few guards won’t stand a chance against us!”
Their complaints escalated into open threats.
Kayla was infuriated and instinctively wanted to defend Pete, but he stopped her. Facing the crowd, he said calmly, “The map's location is precisely here.”
“The map?” The thought echoed in everyone's minds. They exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of suspicion and disbelief.
Before entering the rainforest, Pete had never mentioned the map. Even when rumors circulated about his possession of it, he hadn't confirmed them. Instead, he'd used the Fuller couple as a diversion, claiming they alone had seen the real map and were leading the expedition from memory. Yet, at this critical moment, he admitted to having it.
“You scheming bastard! How dare you lie to us? You’ve been manipulating us! What are you up to?”
“Looks like the map is in your hands. Hand it over.”
The crowd's anger boiled over; they began to encircle Pete. Their intentions were clear—they would take the map by force if necessary. Pete's guards immediately drew their weapons, forming a protective ring. The atmosphere was tense, a fight imminent.
Kayla nervously clung to Pete's arm, drawing closer. He smiled faintly, maintaining his composure and gentlemanly demeanor. He seemed unfazed by the hostile stares, oblivious to their desire to harm him. He stated slowly, “Yes, the map is in my possession. So what?”
His tone was arrogant and disdainful. The crowd, composed of individuals with their own agendas, understood without further explanation. When a secret was revealed openly, it meant one of two things: either the secret was no longer a secret… or everyone who heard it would soon be silenced.