Page 49 of Tempting a Lonely Lord
Stephen studied her for a long moment before finally nodding. “I want that too.” The words were simple, but there was a quiet resolve in them, a silent promise.
Bella smiled, her warmth piercing the barriers he hadn’t even realized he had built.
Stephen let out a shaky breath, rubbing a hand over his face before offering a faint smirk. “Well, this has been quite the day. Between treasure hunting and near catastrophes, I think I need a drink.”
Bella arched a brow, concern flickering in her eyes.
He caught the look and gave a knowing chuckle. “A proper one, mind you. Tea, perhaps. Or spiced cider.”
Her expression eased, and she squeezed his arm again. “Then perhaps we should see what’s in the chest first. Who knows? It might be worth toasting to.”
Stephen’s lips quirked into a smirk as he gestured toward the chest. “Now that, dearest niece, is a fine suggestion. I shall raise my cup of cider to whatever fortune awaits us.”
With a shared glance of anticipation, they turned toward the treasure, knowing that whatever lay inside was only part of the journey ahead.
Just then, the grandmothers entered, and Michael bounced on his heels with excitement.
“It’s time! Let’s see mytweasure!”
Stephen cast one last look at Bella, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before turning toward the chest, the moment between them sealed. The past could not be changed—but they had a future to mend.
Stephen lifted the hammer and brought it down in a swift, decisive motion. The lock shattered, and the lid sprang open.
An array of trinkets and gemstones gleamed inside.
Lucas stepped forward, sifting through the contents. He lifted one of the stones, turning it between his fingers before exhaling. “These are paste. There’s some gold, but not much.”
Stephen’s stomach sank. He had hoped—truly hoped—that the treasure was real. That it might be enough to help restore the manor, pay his debts, and perhaps even change his future.
As disappointment settled over him, Lacey suddenly jumped up, paws braced against the table, eager to inspect the so-called treasure.
“Lacey, no—”
Before anyone could stop her, the chest teetered, then toppled over the edge.
Gold trinkets and paste jewels were scattered across the floor with a clatter.
“Blast it, Lacey!” Stephen groaned, kneeling to gather the fallen items.
William crouched beside him, reaching for a few of the scattered pieces. But as Stephen lifted the overturned chest, something shifted inside.
A small, hidden compartment had popped open.
Frowning, he reached inside—and pulled out a folded, timeworn document.
He turned it over in his hands, brushing off the dust before carefully unfolding it. His brows knitted together as he scanned the faded ink.
“What is it?” William asked, leaning in.
Stephen exhaled slowly, then handed it to him. “Take a look at this.”
William took the parchment, his gaze sharpening as he studied the detailed markings. “This isn’t just any map. It appears to be a mineral map.”
Lucas stepped forward, his brow furrowing. “A mineral map? Of this property?”
The room fell silent for a beat as realization dawned.
“If this is legitimate,” Stephen murmured, his grip tightening on the edges of the chest, “a corner of the family land could be hiding a fortune in copper.”
