Every time Earl Poulos’ castle was brought up these days, Katelyn’s guard went up automatically, like a reflex she couldn’t control.

She still couldn’t make sense of why Earl Poulos had chosen to leave that castle to her. The question stayed with her, always lingering at the back of her mind.

“If you’ve got something to say, just say it,” she insisted, her tone sharp as she watched Austen closely.

Austen hesitated for a moment, then pulled a small journal from his pocket and handed it to her. His hand was steady, but his eyes revealed a hint of uncertainty.

“I found this in my father’s study,” Austen explained, keeping his voice calm. “It’s his journal. There’s a lot in here about our family.”

Katelyn’s curiosity piqued as she glanced at the journal. The cover was rough, made from old leather that looked like it had been through years of wear and tear—probably sheepskin. It seemed like it had survived more than just time.

She opened it carefully, and the first thing she saw was the Earl’s signature—Douglas Poulos, written in bold, familiar strokes.

The pages were yellowed, edges crinkled with age, and some of the ink had faded to the point of being barely readable.

Looking at the brittle paper, Katelyn estimated the journal had to be at least ten years old, if not more.

She flipped to the second page, her brow furrowing as she stared at the unfamiliar letters. The entries were in Yatalian, a language she couldn’t make sense of.

She passed the journal back, unable to hold back her question. “What does this have to do with the castle? Are you looking for the treasure buried there?”

? ? ? ?ν.

Technically, the castle was Austen’s to begin with, so if he wanted it back, Katelyn had no problem with that.

Austen paused for a beat, then nodded.

“It’s not about the money, though. I have more than enough to live well. But the journal talks about secrets of our family that are hidden beneath the castle, and I need to find them.”

Katelyn didn’t hesitate. “That’s fine. The castle should have been yours anyway. We can meet with the lawyer tomorrow and transfer everything back to you.”

For her, the castle had always felt like trouble. Ever since her ownership became public, it was a burden she couldn’t wait to shake off.

“There’s no need for that,” Austen said, his voice firm. “I just need the key to get into the basement. Whatever treasure is down there should stay buried. If it ever comes out, it will only cause more bloodshed.”

Katelyn pressed her lips together, unsure of what to say. Seeing how people were already worked up, she could only imagine the chaos that would unfold if the treasure was ever discovered.

It wouldn’t just be a “storm.” It would be an explosion of trouble.

Even an innocent man became a target when he was holding something everyone wanted.

“There’s something else I need to tell you,” Austen said, leaning forward. “Word about the castle has reached the royal family. You have to retrace your steps carefully. You can mess with anyone, but not them—especially not in their territory.”

Austen’s face was grim. Being so close to Elora for all these years, he knew better than most what the royal family was capable of.

“Someone with a noble title who’s contributed to the kingdom can even ask the king for a special pardon, meaning they can do basically whatever they want without being bound by the law. You see, the law can’t protect you from people like them. It’s cruel, but it’s still very much a reality here in this country,” Austen explained.

Katelyn felt a wave of frustration wash over her. This castle was bringing her nothing but trouble. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel.net

She rubbed her temples, looking at Austen with tired eyes.

“I’m going back home soon, and I don’t plan to return to Yata. The best thing to do is to give the castle back to you,” Katelyn said, her voice heavy with exhaustion.

But Austen shook his head, a small smile on his lips. “My father wasn’t a fool. He had his reasons for all of this. I just need to honor his wishes and continue with what he started.”

Katelyn found herself thinking of Earl Poulos again—his wise, kind eyes watching over her.

The years had passed, but his grace and poise stayed just as they always had, untouched by time.

The way he had planned every detail of even his own funeral only highlighted how wise he truly was.

“I respect your choice,” Katelyn said, her tone calm. “But if you ever want to reconsider—”

The castle back, just let me know.” She turned her attention back to the double doors of the operating room, her worry deepening.

Five hours had dragged by, and still, Vincent hadn’t come out.

The air in the hallway was thick with tension, as waiting families clung to hope.

Katelyn had heard prayers here, whispered with more passion than in any church she had ever been to.

Then, at last, the doors creaked open.

Katelyn rushed forward, her heart racing as she nearly tripped in her hurry.

Her eyes locked onto the doctor, and she asked quickly, “How is he? Did everything go okay?”

The doctor reached out to steady her and then asked, “What’s your relationship to the patient?”

Just as Katelyn opened her mouth to answer, a voice came from behind, harsh and full of anger.

“Don’t tell her anything! She’s evil—she’s here to hurt Mr. Adams!”

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