Chapter 376

Sandra shook her head desperately. “No, please, no…”

Without a blink, Felix tightened his grip. A sickening crack echoed, and silence fell. Felix took out a handkerchief, wiping his hands with leisurely calm. After tossing the handkerchief aside, he set the room ablaze. The still figure on the ground slowly dissolved into the flickering firelight, fading from sight. Sandra's fate was ultimately of her own making.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Felix strolled out of the old castle. Now that the Treasure Box had resurfaced, his sights were set on reclaiming it. Once he harnessed its hidden power, everything he desired—wealth, power, beauty—would be his to command, especially that woman. Yes, he had some interest in her, too.

That night, Odin finally returned to the Harper family manor. He recounted every detail of his findings from the black market to Kenneth. Upon hearing the box's origin, Kenneth frowned. He thought, If the box in Grandfather's possession truly was the national treasure lost by the Azure Sea Royal Family, then how has it ended up with the Harper family? And why would it be in his hands?

Regardless of its origins, the box's rumored powers were undeniably intriguing. It could help one glimpse his past and future and fulfill his deepest desires. If it were possible, Kenneth would love nothing more than to look into his own future and that of the Harper family.

Odin continued, “Apparently, the box can only be opened with a key, or… by blood.”

“But to use blood, the person has to have a bond with the box, which sounds like a joke. How could something so mystical exist?”

Kenneth thought, “Mystical? Perhaps. But not impossible.”

In its golden age, the Azure Sea Royal Family had been surrounded by many legends. Eventually, after internal conflicts, the royal family's young princess vanished, along with the treasure, spirited away by a loyal servant. Stricken by this loss, the royal family withdrew from the world, isolating themselves from outsiders. If the Azure Sea Royal Family ever resurfaced, their return would shake the world.

Kenneth sat in contemplation, feeling a growing urge. He wanted to open that box. The key wasn’t accessible, but maybe he could try the other method. Seeing his master's intention, Odin moved to intercept him. “This blood idea is risky. We don’t even know how much it would take, and if Mrs. Harper found out, she’d be worried sick. Besides, you’re getting married in two days. Let’s set this aside for now!”

Kenneth rolled his eyes. “Get out of my way.” With that, he kicked Odin aside and headed out.

Chapter 370

At this hour, Romeo was surely asleep. Kenneth snuck into Romeo’s private quarters, carefully picking the lock and slipping inside. He groped around the hidden compartment where he’d found the box before, triggering a faint mechanical click. The compartment opened, but it was empty. It was clear that Romeo, aiming to conceal the box better, had moved it elsewhere. All his efforts tonight had been for nothing.

Sighing, Kenneth wiped the sweat from his brow and crept out of the room. Knowing his grandfather, the Treasure Box was probably hidden under the bed now. He’d just have to try again next time.

The wedding day approached quickly. At Cedar Ridge Villa, Thalia clutched Melody’s hands, sighing with emotion. “Tomorrow is the engagement ceremony. Once the wedding date is set, you’ll be married by next year.” Thinking about her daughter leaving so soon, Thalia was already wiping away tears.

Melody said, “Mom, please don’t cry. If you do, I really won’t want to leave. I’d rather stay by your side forever.”

“Don’t say that. As long as you’re happy, that’s all I need,” Thalia replied, her voice full of love.

After some time, Thalia finally urged, “Alright, dear, go to bed. Don’t stay up too late. Tomorrow, you need to wake up refreshed to be a beautiful bride.”

Melody’s cheeks flushed as she nodded. “Alright.” She made her way up the staircase, but just before disappearing around the bend, Melody cast a challenging glance back at Tiffany, who was seated below in the living room with Randall, the family’s therapist.

Melody thought, Just fuss and fret all you want. It was a waste of time. Melody was entirely at ease as she returned to her room.

In the living room, Tiffany turned to Thalia, her tone casual. “Mom, do you remember who bought the dress you’re wearing?”

Thalia said, “What does it matter to you who bought it?” Thalia frowned, irritation coloring her expression. “It’s already generous of me to let your father bring his illegitimate children home. You should be grateful.”

Since her discharge from the hospital, Thalia had been like a completely different person.

Chapter 376 (Continued)

No matter how much anyone tried to explain, she was firmly convinced that Melody was her only daughter, and even refused to acknowledge Eric as her son, declaring him and Tiffany to be the products of some affair of Charlie’s. Every attempt Tiffany made to get close enough to examine her mother for signs of bloodbite effects only resulted in more resentment and pushback from Thalia.

Randall offered his analysis, “This is a relatively common symptom of dissociative identity disorder. Usually, whatever they want to believe, they cling to as though it’s a command. The only unusual part is that her primary personality has yet to surface. The current personality has been in control the entire time, causing this rejection of family.”

Tiffany’s suspicion that bloodbite was at play grew even stronger. She approached Thalia again, this time cupping her hands together as though concealing something. “Mom, I’ve got something fun to show you.”

Thalia clearly didn’t want to humor her, but after a while, Tiffany’s antics piqued her curiosity. “What is it?”

Tiffany brought her hands closer and, in a sudden motion, delivered a swift karate chop. Thalia collapsed to the floor. Randall, wide-eyed, stammered, “You… you knocked out your own mother?” The sight was utterly shocking.

Ignoring him, Tiffany hefted her mother up and carried her back to her bedroom. There, she grabbed a long stick and rolled it over her mother’s skin. Tonight, she would draw that bloodbite out of her mother, no matter what it took.

The timestamps and "SEND GIFT" are extraneous and have been removed. Several minor spelling and word choice improvements were also made throughout.