The voice, deep and commanding, echoed with an air of authority and presence. “Let them in.”

Though the words were spoken softly, they carried a weight that was heard by all with perfect clarity.

After issuing the order, the speaker was seized by a violent coughing fit.

The butler quickly moved to his side. “My lord, how are you feeling? The doctor has strongly advised against you going outside.”

Earl Poulos, his hand pressed to his mouth, took a deep breath, shook his head slowly, and then turned his gaze toward the figures waiting outside the door, including Katelyn.

“Let them in,” he repeated.

The butler gave a brief nod of understanding and, with determined steps, opened the wide doors of the estate.

Until that moment, Katelyn hadn’t been able to clearly see the Earl’s face due to the distance. Now, she could.

Earl Poulos stood in the doorway’s shadow, dressed in black. He leaned on a cane, and a discreet yet lavish ruby ring adorned his finger.

Despite his age, his eyes were as sharp as a hawk’s, with a mystical ability to peer into the soul. His silent presence radiated an unmistakable authority. At that moment, Katelyn felt she was witnessing the enduring spirit of nobility in Earl Poulos.

Vincent and Katelyn were the first to greet him. “Good day, my lord.”

Earl Poulos, resting on his cane, nodded casually but gave Katelyn a significant look.

The glance was brief, almost fleeting.

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“Come in and have a seat,” Earl Poulos instructed, beginning to walk, the butler carefully supporting his arm.

Katelyn and Vincent exchanged a glance before following.

The estate’s grounds were vast, like several stadiums combined.

Even the plain corridors were adorned with rare antiques and artistic masterpieces.

Katelyn’s eyes fell on a painting from the last century, hanging on the wall. It was valued at over a hundred million today.

To collectors, such artifacts would typically be stored in a vault. Yet, here, they served merely as wall hangings, some even covered in dust. This suggested that Earl Poulos was, indeed, exceedingly wealthy.

Negotiating a deal with him based solely on profit would be nearly impossible.

When Dale stepped inside, he couldn’t hide his true intentions.

He purposely stayed at the back of the group, closely examining everything around him.

He discreetly pocketed anything small enough to steal, even items his uncle had discarded, knowing they could fetch a hefty sum at auction.

The butler, sensing something was amiss, turned sharply and caught Dale red-handed.

Visibly annoyed, he reprimanded him sharply, “Mr. Poulos, these items are His Lordship’s personal belongings.”

Dale, feigning nonchalance, responded smoothly, “What’s the issue? I’m merely examining them closely. Do you really think I’d steal from my own uncle?”

The butler’s anger flared instantly. He was baffled by how his sophisticated and dignified employer could have such a troublesome relative. Dale’s minor thefts had already led to the loss of numerous valuable items, which invariably ended up being gambled away. Earl Poulos would then have to pay a hefty price to recover them, perpetuating a costly cycle.

Earl Poulos, however, appeared unfazed, simply shaking his head. “Let’s proceed.”

Katelyn watched these subtle exchanges intently.

They moved to the reception room, and once everyone was seated, Earl Poulos directed the butler to serve beverages and light snacks. Resting back on the sofa with his cane laid casually aside, Earl Poulos inquired, “I presume you’re here about the land, right?” Original content can be found at find?novel.net

His tone was relaxed, and his expression calm, as if he were speaking to old acquaintances.

Yet, for some reason, Katelyn felt a lingering sense of discomfort. Before they could respond, Earl Poulos added, “Actually, you’ve all been misled by those rumors.”

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