James smiled bitterly. “The Cadens will tear me to pieces.”

Maxine said, “You have no choice but to suffer the wrath of the Cadens. Otherwise, you’ll be pursued by the other three families. You’re still a Caden, after all. I don’t think grandpa will kill you until he gets the painting back. As for the next move, I’ll leave the decision to you.”

James shook his head.

It would not work. He was too weak.

Not only that, he was the trigger of this standoff.

If he had not executed the Emperor, he could have stayed on the sidelines.

James remained silent and returned to his meal.

Soon, he finished eating.

Holding the dishes in her hands, Maxine stood up and said, “There are only two days left. Reflect on it, will you?”

Saying that, she left.

James sat in a lotus position on the floor.

He believed that the second option would never work. The first option was possible. However, it would be immensely difficult. It would be nearly impossible to unravel the secret behind the