Then, realization dawned on her. She asked, “A-Are you thinking of revealing the secret of the painting to grandpa in exchange for protection?”
“Yes.” James nodded.
He was now caught in a crossfire. Only Tobias could save him. However, Tobias would only willingly do so if James gave him the secret of the painting.
“Alright.” Maxine did not say much.
Then, James put the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge and the ancient scroll into the box.
Maxine pushed James’ wheelchair, and they both left the basement to find Tobias.
In the library of the Cadens’ courtyard…
Tobias was reading a book.
Knock! Knock!
Knocks came from the other side of the door.
“Grandpa, James would like to see you.”
Putting his book aside, Tobias walked out of the room. James was sitting in a wheelchair, while Maxine stood beside him.
Looking at James, Tobias asked, “What’s the matter?”
James whispered, “I’ve discovered the secret of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge.”
“What?” Tobias exclaimed.
A smile crept up on his face, and he asked, “Is that true?”
James nodded. “It’s true. I’ll reveal it to you, but I have one condition.”
Tobias was so worked up that his facial muscles were twitching.
The Cadens had been keeping watch of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge for thousands of years. The family had undergone many trials and tribulations because of this painting. Blood was shed. Brothers turned against each other, and sons turned against fathers. For thousands of years, no one could unravel the mystery behind the painting.
However, James had done it.
“Name it. I’ll do anything to the best of my ability.”
James said, “You know that many people are after my life. The Cadens are the only ones who can protect me. If you promise to save my life, I’ll tell you the secret of the painting.”
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