James scrutinized the key in his hand.

"What does the treasure chest unearthed from the Prince of Orchid's ancient tomb on the Southern Plains have to do with the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge?" he muttered silently.

He didn't believe it was a coincidence that Scarlett had bumped into him, key in hand. He'd sensed murderous intent when he first encountered her, but it vanished when they reached the underground parking lot—where they met. He was certain she wasn't responsible. Someone else had orchestrated it. He'd been watching the grave robbery from the sidelines, eliminating everyone involved and instructing Scarlett to bring the key to Cansington and let the box be moved around.

Whew! James took a deep breath. Locating the box was the first step. Opening it would reveal its connection to the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge.

After a moment's contemplation, James said, "Mr. Quinn."

"Yes, James?" Newton nodded.

"You've been by my grandfather's side for decades," James continued. "Even after the incident, you returned to bury the Cadens, risking capture. Since I haven't rewarded you, I'll offer you the Cadens' former businesses."

Newton stood up, waving his hands. "I can't accept such a generous gift, James. It's too much."

James waved dismissively. "Money isn't everything to me, but it is for you. You have a family to feed."

"I"

"Bring your family to Cansington," James interrupted. "Then you can officially take over the former Cadens businesses from the Great Four. The Cadens were Cansington's most influential family, worth fifty billion dollars. That should be enough for the rest of your life."

"Thank you, James," Newton replied, accepting the offer now that he knew James's identity as one of the five commanders and his lack of need for money.

"Mhm. You may return now. Go to Henry at Common Clinic on Nine Dragons Street if you need anything."

"Yes," Newton said, bowing. Serena followed suit.

They left the House of Royals. Outside, Serena gazed longingly at the building. "Grandpa, is James really the Black Dragon? The Black Dragon General of the Southern Plains?"

Newton nodded. "He must be. Who else could convince the Blithe king to mobilize a hundred-thousand-strong army?"

"Grandpa, are we really taking over the Cadens' businesses?"

Newton hesitated. "Not exactly. We're helping James manage them."

"Oh." Serena glanced back at the House of Royals. "James, Black Dragon" she murmured.

Inside, James smoked a cigarette on the sofa. Henry asked, "James, what next?"

James's face darkened. He'd avenged his family, but still didn't know the main culprit or the location of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge.

"Urge Jake Graham to speed up his intelligence gathering," he said. "I want to know the whereabouts of the treasure chest that entered the Cansington antique market as soon as possible."

"Roger that."

"No need to rush. It's the Mid-Autumn Festival. You're an orphan, too. Let's go out for a drink, just the two of us."

"James, aren't you accompanying Thea?"

"She's at the Callahans' villa. I slipped out when I had the chance. It's still early. Let's go." James and Henry left the House of Royals.

(The final sentence is incomplete and contains apparent typos. I have left it as is, as I cannot confidently correct it without more context.)

The promotional text at the end ("Search the FindNovel.net website") has been removed as it is not part of the narrative.