Kimberly walked briskly toward the looming mansion. As her hand touched the cold, rusted doorknob, it let out a shrill creak. She turned back, her gaze meeting her uncle's. Augustus Theo gave a slight nod of approval, his expression unreadable.

Taking a deep breath, Kimberly stepped inside, her flashlight beam cutting through the dimness. The air smelled of dust and time. On the walls, faded photographs hung in tarnished frames, many veiled with cobwebs.

"Uncle, who are these people?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Hush it! You ask too many questions," Augustus Theo muttered under his breath, his tone curt.

Kimberly's apprehension soon gave way to fascination as her flashlight illuminated ancient relics: golden swords, bows, and arrows. They shimmered under the light, each piece adorned with intricate designs.

Augustus moved quickly, his gaze fixated on the objects. He stopped in front of a gleaming gold wristwatch. Tentatively, he reached out and touched it. A searing noise erupted, and he yelped in pain, yanking his hand away. As his cry echoed, the entire building shook violently, as though gripped by an earthquake. Without hesitation, Augustus grabbed Kimberly and held her close. Just as abruptly as it began, the quake stopped.

"What just happened?" Kimberly asked, her wide eyes filled with fear and confusion.

Augustus Theo looked uncharacteristically shaken. His usual arrogance was replaced by an uneasy humility.

"You need to touch it," he said, his voice low but insistent.

"Touch it? That seems dangerous," Kimberly protested, her innocent eyes searching his face for answers.

"It might be different for you. Just try," he urged, his tone more persuasive now.

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After a moment's hesitation, Kimberly stepped forward. She swallowed hard, extended her hand, and gently touched the watch. Nothing happened. Emboldened, she picked it up and examined it closely.

"I'd give anything to be you right now," Augustus murmured, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Why?" Kimberly asked, her cheeks flushed with curiosity.

"Because these ornaments are worth a fortune," Augustus replied, his voice tinged with longing. "I can't even touch them."

"That's stealing!" Kimberly exclaimed, horrified. "We're not thieves, are we?"

Augustus shook his head slowly, his expression unreadable.

"Someday," he said, his voice heavy with meaning, "you'll understand the value of gold and silver. You'll thank me for teaching you to appreciate treasures."

Kimberly gently rubbed the watch’s surface. Its brilliance captivated her, but she carefully returned it to its pedestal. Suddenly, the wristwatch emitted a soft chime. Light flooded the mansion as every bulb flickered to life, illuminating its grandeur. The relics sparkled, casting mesmerizing patterns on the walls.

"Wow," Kimberly breathed, her voice filled with awe. "This is incredible!"

Augustus Theo’s face, however, darkened. His jaw clenched as he struggled to suppress his irritation.

Just then, his phone rang, breaking the moment. He answered it, his voice trembling.

"Is the gold ready for pick-up?" a deep, menacing voice growled from the other end.

Augustus hesitated. "The girl’s too naïve," he explained, his voice faltering. "She refused to take any of the items. She even called me a thief!"

The caller’s anger was palpable, and his threat was chilling. If Augustus failed, he would lose everything. As the call ended, Kimberly studied him with concern.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, her innocence cutting through his brooding.

Forcing a smile, Augustus nodded. "Of course. Let’s keep moving."

They continued down a narrow corridor until they came across a peculiar set of symbols etched into the floor. Augustus gestured for Kimberly to step onto them.

"Why?" she asked, her instincts urging her to hesitate.

---

Meanwhile, back at home, James burst into the living room where Camilla sat, worry etched into her features.

"I’ve visited everyone we know," James said, his frustration evident. "Kimberly and Augustus Theo are nowhere to be found."

Camilla’s eyes brimmed with tears. "We should call the police," she said, her voice breaking.

"Think!" Camilla urged, gripping James’s arm. "If you were Theo, where would you take her?"

James sank onto the couch, pressing his fingers to his temples in thought. Suddenly, his eyes lit up.

"The woods!" he exclaimed, leaping to his feet and grabbing his car keys.