At Elliana’s words, both Cole and Jason fixed their eyes on her, curiosity sparking between them. How did she know about Maxine’s past?

Elliana drew in a breath and started to unravel the story behind Cameron’s old storybook.

“I’m pretty sure Cameron was the main character, and ‘Max’ referred to Maxine. After their breakup, Maxine went back to the Griffiths family. She never moved on — she couldn’t bring herself to love anyone else, and the idea of having a child with another man was impossible for her. However, in the meantime, Cameron got married and built a big family. That jealousy and bitterness consumed Maxine, and she wound up kidnapping Cutler and poisoning Barbara with that deadly Scorpion King toxin.”

Both Cole and Jason let out a long sigh. The thought of the formidable leader of the Griffiths family being consumed by a love she couldn’t have, unraveling into jealousy, was almost impossible to believe.

Jason thumbed through his book and stopped at Miguel’s profile. “If my hunch is right,” he said, “the mysterious ‘Mr. Griffiths’ behind everything is actually Miguel — the same Michael we spoke to on that video call.”

Elliana and Cole bent closer, reading through the details about Miguel. The truth quickly became clear. Now it all made sense.

Elliana murmured, her voice low with unease, “No wonder he acted so strange when he talked to me. He’s obsessed with my mother, and he’s putting all that unresolved love and hate on me. The modern Griffith family’s line traces back to that exiled princess, always led by women. It’s no wonder the men have faded into the background over the years, but Miguel is different. He’s sharp, ambitious, and almost impossible to read. He’s hidden himself better than anyone else. We’ll have to tread very carefully.”

Jason gave a firm nod. “Once we’re home, I’ll upgrade every inch of the security system, close any gaps, and make sure Miguel doesn’t have a single chance to strike.”

Cole’s attention drifted to the pair of bracelets in Elliana’s grasp. “So Miguel has stirred up all this trouble over those? Does he realize they’re the key to this treasure? Is this all just his pursuit of the money?” But then, he shook his head, brow furrowed with doubt. “Honestly, I don’t buy it. There’s got to be something bigger at play. This all feels too layered to be about money alone.”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing.” Elliana nodded, her voice thoughtful. “The bracelets have to be more than just heirlooms. Their design, two serpents, one male and one female, is obviously tied to the Griffiths family crest. But here’s what’s strange: the totem on the wall is so simple. But these bracelets? Whoever made them went to insane lengths, carving out these elaborate patterns. That kind of detail can’t be for decoration alone. I think there’s a deeper secret hidden in the designs.”

Both Cole and Jason listened, nodding as her theory sank in.

After a moment, Jason looked at Elliana, his brows drawn in concern. “There’s one thing I still can’t figure out — what’s Maxine really after when it comes to you?”

A faint smile played on Elliana’s lips. She already had her suspicions.

Unaware, Jason kept going. “Everything I’ve read says this treasure vault was the Griffiths family’s last line of defense. Back when the Serpent Society was wiped out by the Campbell family three centuries ago, the survivors stashed their legacy here. Whoever has control of this vault basically runs the Griffiths family now, which means Maxine is the leader. That beast tamer we fought must be her watchdog. So why is she playing both sides? Why send killers after you, but then tell her guardian to let you in and show you every Griffiths secret she’s got?”