Previously, their focus had been on proving the authenticity of the man in black. But what if they shifted their strategy? Proving that the Kenny in front of them was an imposter might lead to the same outcome.

They hadn’t expected Katelyn’s sudden questioning. Kenny’s eyes flickered with panic as he stammered, “How could I possibly recall something from so long ago?”

Dale intervened quickly. “You’re rushing because you fear I’ll get the castle, and you’ll miss out on the ultimate fortune. I have no tolerance for deceivers like you.” He glared at Earl Poulos, teeth clenched. “Uncle Douglas, please have them removed. I can’t bear these repulsive individuals any longer.”

Jaxen stared coldly at Dale, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “If we’d known you were such a deceitful coward, we might have let the debt collectors chase you to your death.” This, he thought, could have saved Earl Poulos from being tricked.

Dale’s face turned red with anger, his eyes filled with clear hostility. He vowed to hire assassins to eliminate these nuisances once he claimed his vast fortune.

Vincent then spoke up, his voice soothing as always. He looked at Earl Poulos and said, “My Lord, with the situation as it is, we can’t offer more clarification at this moment. Even if we can’t confirm the authenticity of the man we’ve brought, this Kenny is definitely a fraud.”

Kenny, agitated, protested, “You’re lying. I have the birthmark on my shoulder that proves who I really am.” In his desperate attempt to validate himself, he failed to notice that Earl Poulos’ attention wasn’t even on him. As the ultimate decider of Kenny’s identity, Earl Poulos’ continued silence only heightened Dale’s worry. Why wouldn’t the old man believe them despite all the evidence?

If it weren’t for Katelyn and the others, Earl Poulos would have already signed the transfer deed.

? ?ν.

The butler, looking concerned, approached Earl Poulos. “My Lord, is your headache bothering you again? Shall I assist you upstairs to rest?”

Earl Poulos exhaled deeply and shook his head slowly. “I can’t determine who’s real and who’s fake right now.” What was meant to be a heartfelt reunion between father and son had spiraled into chaos.

Earl Poulos felt a weight on his heart. His eyes moved from Dale’s tense expression to the man in black, who looked on with scorn.

“Everyone, please leave. I need some time alone.”

Dale’s expression showed shock. “Uncle Douglas, what do you mean? I brought Kenny back to you, so you should transfer the castle to me as per our deal.”

Kenny interjected, trying to tug at the heartstrings. “Father, aren’t you going to recognize me as your son?”

Earl Poulos looked utterly worn out. “There was never a formal contract between us, Dale, nor did I agree to such absurd conditions.”

Dale’s eyes narrowed sharply. He stepped closer, his jaw set tightly. “Are you going back on your promise? After everything I’ve done for you?”

“I’ll instruct the butler to give you some money. After that, I don’t want to see you again,” Earl Poulos said, gesturing dismissively. The strain of the situation seemed to age him visibly, and his voice was weaker.

The butler quickly wrote a check and handed it to Dale.

Upon seeing the amount, Dale’s fury intensified. “Only a hundred thousand? Are you dismissing me like a common beggar? I reunited you with your son, and this is my reward?”

The butler fixed him with a severe look and scolded, “Mr. Poulos, mind your language.”

Dale sneered. “Don’t presume to lecture me, a mere doorman. I want the castle signed over now. Even if you refuse, it will be mine after you’re gone.” Dale finally revealed his true nature.

To his dismay, Earl Poulos shook his head once more. “I’ve altered my will. You are no longer my legal heir.”

Dale clenched his teeth. “Then who gets the castle? To whom are you leaving it?”

.

.

.