Chapter 1445

Andrew looked at Jameson, then at Tiana. The two of them could not have had more opposite views. Jameson wanted stability, believing that since the fragments were already lost, it was best to back away.

But Tiana? She was already burning with ambition, believing the loss of the fragments was a blessing in disguise–it meant Rafael and the others would complete the map for them and reveal the treasure’s location. Then, she could swoop in and seize the real prize.

Andrew had witnessed firsthand how far Tiana could go when she set her mind to something. Her ambition was unmatched; in many ways, she was more relentless than any man he knew.

Now, he had to make a decision. If the treasure truly surfaced, should he fight for it or not? And if he did, he would have to be ready to face off with Rafael and whoever else dared to claim it. However, Jameson’s warning still lingered in his mind: that the treasure might not just be gold and silver. There might be hidden dangers beyond imagination.

That made things a whole lot more complicated.

Andrew said carefully, “Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes, how about this–let’s observe for now. We wait and see if the full map really does come together. If it does, and the location is revealed, then we plan our move.

“Rafael and Mosby are both dangerous men with their own agendas. And the truth is, when Mr. Bates passed his family’s fragment to me, he trusted me to guard it on their behalf. Which means I can’t just sit back and watch Rafael walk away with everything.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.

Tiana smiled. “See? Even Andrew can’t walk away from this. A treasure passed down from the Fallen Crimson Dynasty—aren’t you the least bit curious about what’s inside?”

Lauren chimed in, “Of course I’m curious. But I don’t have any strong opinions on the matter. I’ll follow whatever Andrew decides.”

Francesca laughed lightly. “Same here. Treasure hunting sounds exciting, but you know it’s bound to be dangerous too. I’ll support whatever Andrew chooses.”

Tiana shook her head. “You girls spoil him too much. A woman needs to keep her man in check–only then can she hold her ground in the relationship.”

Jameson groaned under his breath. How had this conversation suddenly turned back around on him again?

“Alright,” he said, waving a hand, “we’ll go with Andy’s plan. We observe first. But if it ever comes to making a move, I want one thing clear–nobody takes reckless risks.” He made sure to emphasize every word.

Andrew nodded. “Mrs. Rhodes, there’s one more thing. What if Mosby and the others complete the map and quietly sneak off to find the treasure without us? That would make things a lot harder."

Tiana gave a sly smile. “Relax. The Rhodes family’s fragment is blank. In order to activate it and see the final piece, Mosby and the rest will have to come to you.”

Andrew raised a brow. “Come to me? Shouldn’t they be coming to you?”

Tiana tossed him a small bottle, which he caught instinctively. “That contains Lauren’s virgin blood. It’s the key to unlocking the Rhodes fragment. Now that you’re holding it, they’ll have no choice but to come to you.”

Lauren’s face turned bright red. “Mom! Cece’s blood works too, you know…”

Tiana gave a sly, satisfied smile. “That’s why I already had Cece sent to your grandfather’s place. The Lambert family is far from Gabo Creek. Mosby and the others won’t be able to reach her.”

Andrew gave a low chuckle and lifted a thumb. “Mrs. Rhodes, I’ve gotta hand it to you–that’s impressively calculated.”

Tiana smirked. “What, you think I’m a devious old woman? That I'm ruthless and manipulative?”

Andrew did not bother answering. Sure, Tiana was cunning–no doubt about it—but she was still one of his people. And when it came to allies, a little ruthlessness could be a good thing.

Besides, Andrew knew how to handle her. He had never had trouble keeping Tiana in check. If anything, the fact that she handed over her final bargaining chip–Lauren’s blood–showed just how much she trusted him more than anyone else.

Deep down, Tiana was not confident in herself, knowing the blood was much safer in Andrew’s hands.

Chapter 1446