Grand Viper roared, โIf heโs part of the Wrights, Iโll personally send him to the afterlife! Just because theyโre one of the Five Apex Families, they think they can look down on me! Iโve dominated the southern martial arts world for decadesโwhen have I ever swallowed humiliation like this?โ
Quinton scrambled to his feet, terrified, his voice trembling as he begged, โSir, please! Have mercy! Your two apprenticesโWhite Viper and Black Viperโthey werenโt killed by my family! It was Andrew! That bastard set the whole thing up to frame us and pit us against each other!โ
However, Grand Viperโs eyes blazed even hotter. โBullshit! When I arrived at the scene, your Wrightsโ head guardโToraโwas right there, cleaning up Black Viperโs corpse! Your people wouldnโt even leave his body aloneโand now you want to talk peace? I swear, Iโll make the Wrights repay this blood debt a hundredfold!โ
As Grand Viper raised his hand again, clearly intending to kill Quinton on the spot, Rafael finally snapped. โGrand Viper! Thatโs enoughโIโm ordering you to stop!โ
Grand Viper spun around, his withered face twisted with rage. โMr. Driscoll, donโt forgetโyou donโt command me! Iโve shown you respect because youโre with the Driscolls. But donโt push your luck. If I feel like it, Iโll crush you here and now, then vanish from Gabo Creek Province forever! And your Driscolls wonโt be able to lift a finger against me!โ
Rafael was so furious he nearly exploded on the spot. However, he forced himself to hold back. Grand Viper was stubborn, old, brutal, and deeply prideful. Arguing with someone like him would only make things worse.
Rafael said quickly, โGrand Viper, just hear me out. You canโt kill Quinton. Heโs here to help us complete the treasure map. Besides, the whole feud between you and the WrightsโAndrew is the one who lit that fire. If you really want revenge, go kill him!โ
However, Grand Viper was not listening, and his face was still twisted with rage. โNo. Iโm killing the Wrights. Thatโs final. I already took out two of themโand Iโm not done yet. Theyโll payโin blood.โ
Both Rafael and Mosby were left with throbbing headaches. Fortunately, Grand Viper eventually stopped throwing his tantrum and went upstairs to rest.
Rafael growled through clenched teeth, โThat bastard, Andrew! He really played it smart, using the Wrights to get Grand Viper all riled upโkeeping himself completely out of the crossfire. That dirty, underhanded scum!โ
Mosby nodded bitterly. โForget blaming himโฆ Quinton, you said earlier you had a solution. What is it? Right now, not only is the Rhodes fragment still blank, but weโre also still missing the final piece of the treasure map.โ
Quinton wiped the blood from his mouth, ignoring the pain, and slowly smiled. โThe final fragmentโฆ to tell you the truth, itโs already in my hands.โ
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of aged beast-hide, revealing a partial map. Rafael and Mosbyโs eyes lit up instantly, blazing with greed.
Rafael said with a grin, โQuinton, you sly devil. Didnโt expect you to be the one holding the last piece!โ
Quinton clutched the fragment tightly and stepped back with a widening smirk. โMr. Driscoll, Dr. Lakeโlet me be clear. Iโm showing you this map because I intend to claim a share of the treasure. If either of you plans to cut me out, wellโฆ then this piece stays right where it is.โ
Rafael and Mosby exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.
Mosby said heartily, โSimple! Quinton, thatโs more than fair! Youโve got the last piece of the puzzle. Of course, you get a share of the treasure!โ