Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 531

Kayla sobbed uncontrollably, her trembling voice stammering as she pleaded, "P-Pete, I can do so much for you. I'm useful! Oh, right, the map! Pete, actually, I hid something from you before. There's something else on the map I gave you that I kept hidden. When we get back, I'll give it to you, okay?"

Back when Gabrielle had arrogantly approached her, claiming to establish familial ties, her true intention had been to acquire the map from Kayla. In order to curry favor with the Carrell family and secure Gabrielle's goodwill, Kayla showed her sincerity by handing over the map.

However, she had kept a trump card up her sleeve. Not even Dexter, her father, knew about it!

There was a highly discreet compartment concealed at a corner of the map. Inside it was a leaf made of gold and was as thin as a cicada's wing!

The gold leaf was exquisitely crafted, its lifelike veins and intricate details showcasing masterful craftsmanship.

Kayla didn't know what it was, but anything hidden within a map everyone was fighting over had to be extraordinary. It could very well be a relic tied to the fabled kingdom mentioned in the legends.

The leaf, being so small and delicate, had gone unnoticed even by Dexter when he first obtained the map.

Thrilled by her discovery, Kayla hid the gold leaf without breathing a word about it—not even to Pete. Who would have thought it would now become her lifeline?

"Oh?" Pete squinted slightly, his tone amused. "What is it?"

"It's a leaf made of gold and as thin as a cicada's wing. But its veins and patterns are exceptionally clear and beautiful. I think… it must have significant value as a collectible!"

Kayla didn't dare hide anything, describing it in as much detail as possible. She desperately hoped that by proving her worth, she could survive this.

Pete's expression shifted subtly at the mention of the leaf. That reaction was all the confirmation Kayla needed to prove that she made the right gamble.