Chapter One Hundred& Thirty Seven

Lucas retrieved the crumpled note from his pocket, smoothing out the creases with his fingers. The worn paper revealed a detailed image of a building painted in vivid blue and white. He squinted at it, eyebrows knitting together. "Why would anyone paint on a dollar note?" he muttered, the confusion clear in his voice.

He shook his head, the absurdity of the situation gnawing at him. "This makes no sense," he said, more to himself than anyone else. Frustration seeped into his actions as he balled up the note again, preparing to discard it. But Emma's hand shot out, stopping him mid throw.

"Wait," she said, her tone urgent yet calm. She gently took the bill from his hand and sank into the nearby couch. Her eyes narrowed in concentration as she scrutinized the note, turning it over and over. The room fell silent, the only sound the soft rustle of the paper as Emma handled it.

Lucas watched her, curiosity piqued. "What are you doing?" he asked, stepping closer.

Emma didn't look up. She li