Part 1The One and Only Heir

The day the real heir came to claim his birthright, he arrogantly threw a paternity test in my face.

"You've had my life for eighteen years. Isn't it about time you gave it back? If you know what's good for you, you'll leave on your own.

"Don't think I'm one of those pathetic heirs from those 'real versus fake heir' trope novels. I got my acceptance letter to Kingsley University this year."

The comments cheered him on.

[The real heir is finally back. I love this ruthless vibe.]

[I can't stand those fake-nice pretty boys who only know how to stage a fall down the stairs and spout sickly sweet lies.]

[Bet on when this fake heir takes his tumble down the stairs?]

But the commenters and the real heir didn't notice the impassive faces of everyone in the mansion. They all looked like they'd seen this a hundred times before.

After all, he was the sixth real heir to show up and claim kinship this month.

* * *

Tyler Jones threw the paternity test results down in front of me, then lifted his chin and said with obvious arrogance, "You've had my life for eighteen years. Isn't it about time you gave it back?"

Before I could respond, the familiar translucent comments in front of me started pouring in like mad.

[The real heir is back. Love it!]

[I like this kind of guy who gets straight to the point, none of that wishy-washy nonsense!]

Tyler looked thoroughly pleased with his own opening line. He cleared his throat and kept reciting what sounded like lines lifted from some novel.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll leave on your own. Don't make me force you."

Then he added, as if it mattered, "Don't think I'm one of those pathetic heirs from those 'real versus fake heir' trope novels. I got my acceptance letter to Kingsley University this year."

The comments got even more excited.

[Whoa, the star student trope? I'm obsessed!]

[The fake heir doesn't stand a chance now.]

[Anyone want to bet when this fake heir takes his fall down the stairs? Bring on the classic plot already!]

I pushed up my glasses, feeling nothing in particular. After all, he was the sixth real heir to show up this month with a paternity test in hand.

Last month there'd been eight. The month before that, eleven. I could nearly field two soccer teams by now.

Behind me, Andy Burns, the household's butler, stood without so much as raising an eyebrow. A couple of maids polishing an antique vase exchanged a quick glance, the corners of their mouths twitching with barely-held-back smiles.

The air went a little awkwardly quiet.

I said, expressionless, "Are you finished?"

Tyler seemed thrown by my reaction. He stiffened his neck and shot back, "What's that supposed to mean? You don't believe me?"

"I believe you." I nodded, then took the crumpled test results out of his hand and passed them to Andy beside me. "If it's my father's blood, then he's a Wade."

"Andy, please show our new heir to a guest room. How about the one on the third floor facing south? The view's good."

Andy gave a slight bow. "Of course, sir."

The whole exchange went off smoothly, courteous from start to finish. Tyler was completely thrown.

Even the comments went quiet for a few seconds before a few confused lines drifted through.

[??? Wrong script?]

[Why isn't the fake heir following the usual pattern? Shouldn't he be begging and crying by now?]

[That felt like... a punch just landed on a pillow?]

I looked at Tyler's red, flustered face and almost wanted to laugh. This round looked like it might be a little more interesting than the last five this month.

Andy led Tyler up to the guest room on the third floor. That bought me some peace, at least enough to finish my tea.

The next second, my door was kicked open.