?Chapter 394:
In many folklores and tales, grand castles were often depicted as the homes of vampires. These creatures hailed from noble lineages, with a strict adherence to tradition and rules.
The castle before Katelyn dwarfed the Bailey family’s estate by arge margin—perhaps ten times its size. The sprawling grounds were adorned with exotic flowers and trees, adding to its majestic allure.
At the entryway fountain stood a statue of the Earl’s ancestor, gazing down solemnly. The massive ck gates exuded an intimidating aura, as though they were guarding something far more valuable than merend. The sheer luxury of the ce surpassed anything she had ever seen in films.
But the true treasure, Katelyn knew,y beneath the soil—countless relics hidden away, perhaps for centuries.
Katelyn studied theyout intently before turning to Vincent. “I used to think the mansions in movies were exaggerated,” she said, her voice tinged with awe. “But I was wrong. The reality here is far more luxurious than any film set.”
Vincent chuckled. “‘Life inspires art,''” he replied with a knowing smile.<fnf382> Latest content published on f?ndnovel</fnf382>
Dale, clearly swelling with pride, interjected, “Thisnd was given to my uncle by the Queen when she elevated him to an earldom decades ago. It’s truly the grandest manor in Yata, a mythicalnd. You know, my vi was equally magnificent…”
Dale’s voice trailed off, and Katelyn caught the flicker of remorse in his eyes. She realized he had stopped speaking because he remembered losing everything—his fortune, including the luxurious vi, all gambled away.
Once a noble heir, Dale had fallen from grace to be a penniless drifter. His downfall had been swift and steep.
Yet, Katelyn felt no sympathy for him.
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No matter his regrets now, he had only himself to me.
Dale approached the door and pressed the bell. Momentster, a butler appeared, but his expression changed the instant he saw Dale.
“Why are you back here?” the butler asked, his tone cold. “Earl Poulos specifically instructed me not to let you in. If you’re here to ask for money, leave now. Don’t cause him more trouble.”
Dale cleared his throat awkwardly, his face flushing slightly. He gestured toward Vincent and Katelyn. “I’m not here for money today. I’ve brought two friends who wish to meet Uncle Dous.”
The butler nced at where Dale pointed, his face quickly hardening.
“His Lordship has made it clear not to introduce any questionable buyers. He’s adamant about not selling this manor.”
Katelyn stayed silent, but she understood exactly what the butler meant.
Many had sought to acquire this property, and given the Earl’s unpredictable nature, they likely saw Dale as a means to gain ess.
Driven by financial motives, Dale had probably introduced numerous prospective buyers to his uncle over the years. Despite the Earl being Dale’s only remaining kin, Dale was now barred from even entering his property.
Dale grew restless, insisting, “I’m telling you the truth. They’re just two friends who admire Uncle Dous and wanted to visit.”
The butler remained unconvinced. “Please leave. I’m not opening the door for you.”
Faced with repeated rejection, Dale’s embarrassment grew.
With Vincent and Katelyn watching, he desperately needed this encounter to resolve his debts and regain some stability. Yet, here he was, halted at the doorstep before he could even begin negotiations.
Frustrated, Dale demanded, “Am I not even allowed to visit my own home and see my uncle?”
The butler scoffed, effortlessly exposing Dale’s lie. “Every time you return, it’s to ask for money. His Lordship has been so upset by your actions that he’s copsed in frustration several times. If not for your mother, he would have disowned you by now.”
With that, the butler turned and walked away, decisively ignoring Dale’s protests.
Dale clenched his teeth, his frustration mounting. “I demand that youe back and open this door for me!”
But the butler kept walking, unaffected by Dale’smand. Just then, an elderly voice echoed from inside.
.
.
.