Goodbye, Mr. Ex: I've Remarried Mr. Right

"Not that line. The one before," Debra pressed.

Randy thought for a moment. "Wrong direction of investigation?"

"The one before that."

"These are account books, not a treasure map?"

"Yes, that's the one."

"What about it?"

Debra crossed her arms. "I always thought it was weird. If these ledgers were so dangerous, why weren't they burned? Why hide them in ancestral halls? The Osborne and Houston families probably have their versions too. Maybe combined, they are a treasure map."

"I've heard of treasure maps hidden in poems or paintings," Erica said, "but account books? That's a first." "That's a wild guess," Randy echoed. "What kind of treasure would be hidden in ledgers?"noveldrama

Debra shook her head. "Randy, can you sneak into your ancestral hall and get something?"

Randy froze as all eyes landed on him. He swallowed hard and shook his head. "I've hated going to the ancestral hall since I was a kid. Every time I go, I either piss off my ancestors or get beaten by my dad. Do you want me to steal from it? I'd need a miracle."

Marion cut in flatly, "Find a reason. You're going."

Randy's eyes bulged. If his father found out, he'd be dead.

"Chill. I'll go with you," Erica offered, clamping down on his shoulder. If we get caught, just say your grandparents wanted to meet their future granddaughter-in-law."

"You think my dad's as gullible as that guy on the floor?" Randy groaned. "It's too risky. Both of us will be in trouble if we get caught."

"I'm not part of the Osborne family yet. Even if you're in trouble, I'll be fine."

Randy clenched his teeth and finally caved. "Fine. Let's ride or die together."

"That's the spirit. Don't worry. I'll be by your side," Erica grinned, turning to Debra and Marion. "The Osborne family's got strict household rules. We'll need you guys to come along and distract his parents."

Debra blinked. "How do we distract them?"

"Newlyweds paying respects to the elders," Erica replied. "Randy's mom is sweet, but his dad is traditional and Stern. Keep him busy, and we're golden."

"Got it," Debra agreed.

Marion gathered the ledgers. "We move tonight."

"What about me?" Garland popped in front of the group. "Don't I get a mission?"