On the cliff…

Thea’s eyes frequently glanced down the cavern as she waited impatiently for James and Maxine to return.

After checking for the umpteenth time, she finally saw James climbing back up and excitedly chirped, “How did it go, Honey?”

James shook his head sadly. “This cavern is bottomless, and the heat was searing hot down there. We couldn't go any deeper. I doubt grandpa would’ve survived.”

Maxine climbed up after him.

James sighed and said dejectedly, “We’re done here. Let's go back.”

Since they could not find him, James did not intend to waste another second in this cavern.

Based on what he and Maxine had gleaned from the clues, he had a rough idea of what might have happened.

His grandfather was most likely still alive.

He was still slightly dubious about Maxine’s theory.

James firmly believed that his grandfather would not bring harm him, or Thea.

The only thing he was unsure about was why his grandfather needed to come up with so many elaborate plots.

James t