Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1448

Grand Viper roared, "If he's part of the Wrights, I'll personally send him to the afterlife! Just because they're one of the Five Apex Families, they think they can look down on me, Grand Viper?

"I've dominated the southern martial arts world for decades—when have I ever swallowed humiliation like this?"

Quinton scrambled to his feet, terrified, his voice trembling as he begged, "Sir, please! Have mercy! Your two apprentices—White Viper and Black Viper—they weren't killed by my family! It was Andrew! That bastard set the whole thing up to frame us and pit us against each other!"

However, Grand Viper's eyes blazed even hotter. "Bullshit! When I arrived at the scene, your Wrights' head guard—Tora—was right there, cleaning up Black Viper's corpse! Your people wouldn't even leave his body alone—and now you want to talk peace? I swear, I'll make the Wrights repay this blood debt a hundredfold!"

As Grand Viper raised his hand again, clearly intending to kill Quinton on the spot, Rafael finally snapped.

"Grand Viper! That's enough—I'm ordering you to stop!"

Grand Viper spun around, his withered face twisted with rage. "Mr. Driscoll, don't forget—you don't command me! I've shown you respect because you're with the Driscolls.

"But don't push your luck. If I feel like it, I'll crush you here and now, then vanish from Gabo Creek Province forever! And your Driscolls won't be able to lift a finger against me!"

Rafael was so furious he nearly exploded on the spot. However, he forced himself to hold back.

Grand Viper was stubborn, old, brutal, and deeply prideful. Arguing with someone like him would only make things worse.

Rafael said quickly, "Grand Viper, just hear me out. You can't kill Quinton. He's here to help us complete the treasure map. Besides, the whole feud between you and the Wrights—Andrew is the one who lit that fire. If you really want revenge, go kill him!"

Rafael and Mosby's eyes lit up instantly, blazing with greed.

Rafael said with a grin, "Quinton, you sly devil. Didn't expect you to be the one holding the last piece!"

Quinton clutched the fragment tightly and stepped back with a widening smirk. "Mr. Driscoll, Dr. Lake—let me be clear. I'm showing you this map because I intend to claim a share of the treasure. If either of you plans to cut me out, well… then this piece stays right where it is."

Rafael and Mosby exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.

Mosby said heartily, "Simple! Quinton, that's more than fair! You've got the last piece of the puzzle. Of course, you get a share of the treasure!"