The slip of paper was thin as a cicada's wing, yet surprisingly resilient.

My fingertips brushed its surface, sensing the peculiar texture that had withstood the test of time without decay.

The ink remained vivid, depicting a mountain-and-lake landscape. Towering peaks resembled a phoenix's head, cradled by emerald waters, with ancient pines standing sentinel.

Most striking was the bold cross mark at the forest's heart.

My pulse quickened as I studied the symbol.

This was unmistakably a treasure map.

The topography suggested a prime location near the Vanderbilt ancestral graves.

Whoever concealed this within a painting's lining must have guarded extraordinary wealth.

I drew a steadying breath, possibilities swirling through my mind.

Such fortune might finally make Victor Sullivan reconsider his disdain.

Then Grandfather's voice echoed in my memory.

"Sophia, integrity defines character."

Biting my lip, I carefully carried the map to Frederick Vanderbilt.

The collector sat alone in the parlor, his tea-sipping silhouette radiating solitude.

"Mr. Vanderbilt, I discovered this during restoration."

His eyes ignited as he accepted the fragile sheet.

"Ha!" His laughter boomed through the room. "The family's legendary treasure map—hidden in my own home all along!"

I feared his mirth might shatter the delicate paper.

When his excitement subsided, he secured the map and studied me intently.

"You could have kept this for yourself."

I met his gaze squarely. "My grandfather taught me never to claim what isn't rightfully mine."

He nodded approvingly. "Benjamin Laurent raised you well."

Returning to the restoration studio, my focus wavered.

The Emperor Shenzong portrait required straightforward repairs, but the map's appearance had altered everything.

Late that night, my phone vibrated.

Ethan's voice resonated through the receiver, deeper than usual.

"I'll come for you after the groundbreaking ceremony."

"Don't bother." My lips curved unbidden. "Mr. Vanderbilt and I are returning home soon."

Silence stretched between us.

"Miss you." The simple admission warmed my chest.

"Me too," I whispered.

"Want to hold you. Kiss you. And..." His voice dropped to a velvet murmur.

Heat flooded my cheeks. "Stop."

"Then remarry me." Seizing the opening, he continued, "I'll say these things every day after."

I pressed my lips together, though his words sent ripples through me.

Without the obstacles between us, we might have been happy.

Three days later, the restoration concluded flawlessly.

I boarded the homebound flight with Mr. Vanderbilt and his security team.

Somewhere below us, a mysterious treasure awaited discovery.