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 favonovel.com 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 favonovel.com 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.”
“I promise…” Tobias did not hesitate at all.
As long as favonovel.com could get his hands on the secret behind the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge, favonovel.com would not mind making an enemy of the world.
“Not only will I protect you, but I’ll even allow you free and unrestricted access to the Cadens’ library. It has a vast collection of the martial art skills of the Cadens from many generations. It would be of great help to you. Of course, considering you survive… I can protect you from external danger, but I can’t do anything about your injuries.”
James said, “I have a way of treating my injuries. However, how can I trust you? What if you go back on your promise after I give you the secret of the painting?”
Tobias reassured, “Don’t worry… I’m a man of my word. Besides, you’re a Caden, after all. I won’t allow outsiders to walk all over you as they please.”
Maxine chimed in, “Grandpa has never reneged on his promises.”
James nodded slightly. He had no other option but to trust in Tobias’ promise. If Tobias chose to break his promise, favonovel.com would have no choice but to accept his fate.
Tobias said anxiously, “Quick, show me the secret of the painting!”
James handed the painting over to Tobias and said, “Put a drop of blood on it and see what happens.”
Hearing this, Tobias bit his finger and dropped a few drops of blood onto the painting.
However, nothing changed.
“Nothing’s happening…” He looked at James puzzledly.
“Huh?” James was baffled.
He did not know why the painting was not changing.
“Give it to me.”
Tobias handed the painting over to James.
James bit his finger, and the blood dripped onto the painting. His blood was instantly absorbed by the painting. Then, the full moon disappeared and was replaced by the scorching sun. The flower withered as well. However, as there was insufficient blood, the ancient script did not surface.
“What?” Tobias shivered at the sight of the change.
