Chapter 526

Kayla was momentarily captivated by Pete’s tender, soft gaze that she could just drown in. Her face flushed a deep red from shyness.
For a fleeting moment, she felt that all the hardships endured during their arduous journey had been worth it–especially with how considerate Pete had been to her throughout. Her heart was brimming with sweetness.
After her bashfulness subsided, she finally registered his statement.
They had arrived? Arrived where?
Looking around, there wasn’t the slightest sign of any so–called kingdom. Could it really be a miniature kingdom, one so small that she couldn’t see it?
Kayla wanted to ask, but Pete’s gaze was already focused ahead.
The group in front had started to argue. They had reached the spot marked on the map, but all they could see were towering canyon walls and a pile of strange rocks. There was no trace of the treasures they had been yearning for.
Soon, the crowd geared their frustrations toward Pete. Their tone grew increasingly hostile as they questioned him.
“Mr. Carrell, there’s nothing here! Are you trying to lead us astray on purpose?”
“Exactly! We’ve been trekking through these mountains for days because of you. If you’re hiding something, don’t blame us for turning against you!”
“You’d better explain yourself, Mr. Carrell. Otherwise, your handful of guards won’t stand a chance against all of us!”
Their complaints escalated into overt threats.
Kayla was infuriated and instinctively wanted to defend Pete, but he stopped her. Facing the motley crowd, he said calmly, “The location marked on the map is precisely here.”
“The map?” The same thought echoed in everyone’s mind.
They exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of suspicion and disbelief.
Before entering the rainforest, Pete had never mentioned the map. Even when rumors circulated that the map was in his possession, he hadn’t confirmed it. Instead, he had used the Fuller couple as a diversion, claiming they were the only ones who had seen the real map and were leading the expedition based on memory.
Yet at this critical juncture, he suddenly admitted to having the map.
“You scheming bastard! How dare you lie to us? You’ve been toying with us all along! What are you up to?”
“Looks like the map is really in your hands. Why don’t you hand it over now?”
The crowd’s anger boiled over, and they started encircling Pete. Their intentions were clear–they would take the map by force if necessary.
Pete’s guards immediately drew their weapons, forming a protective ring around him. The atmosphere was tense, with the possibility of a fight breaking
out at any moment.
Kayla nervously clung to Pete’s arm, moving closer to him.
He smiled faintly, maintaining his composed and gentlemanly demeanor. He seemed completely unfazed by the hostile stares, as if oblivious to their desire to tear him apart. He stated slowly, “Yes, the map is indeed in my possession. So what?”
His tone was full of arrogance and disdain.
The crowd, composed of individuals with their own schemes and motivations, understood his meaning without needing further explanation. When a secret was revealed openly, it only meant one of two things.
Either the secret was no longer a secret… or everyone who heard it was about to be silenced for good.