The drive back from the Cloud Shadow Pavilion was quiet but charged with unspoken tension.
Matthew Stones sat in the passenger seat of the sleek black SUV, his expression calm as ever, while Kylie Kone drove with focused precision. The newly acquired Eternal Spirit Orchid rested securely in a specially sealed case in the trunk, bringing his total to five rare roots. Only four remained.
Kylie glanced at him from time to time, her grip on the steering wheel tight. “You were incredible back there. Forty million without hesitation. Andrew looked like he wanted to murder you on the spot. The entire pavilion will be talking about this for weeks.”
Matthew leaned back slightly, his voice steady. “Andrew’s pride is wounded. That makes him dangerous. He will come for me harder now. The real quest
