?Chapter 495:


    Addison held up a second document: a paternity test that confirmed the long-suspected connection between Earl Poulos and Austen. This crucial piece of evidence had been entrusted to Addison just before Earl Poulos’ passing. Understanding the scheming nature of his rtives, Earl Poulos had emphasized the importance of making this document public at an official event.


    Without this irrefutable evidence, Austen’s im to the estate would always be undermined by rumors and skepticism. Earl Poulos had orchestrated these measures from beyond the grave, determined to protect his son.


    Katelyn and Vincent exchanged a nce, their silent understanding speaking volumes. They recognized in Earl Poulos a man truly deserving of honor. Meanwhile, Heather was ovee with disbelief. She rushed forward, grabbing the document from Addison. Her voice trembled as she read, her eyes widening in shock.


    “This… this can’t be true! He’s really my brother’s son? But… hadn’t he been missing all these years?”


    Katelyn responded coldly, her gaze unwavering. “Earl Poulos dedicated his life to helping others and was generous in his contributions. Finding his son again was his ultimate reward, his greatest joy.”


    Addison gently retrieved the document from Heather’s shaking hands and passed it to Austen. As he did, a profound sadness settled on him. Having known Earl Poulos so intimately, he understood the weight of this moment. He ced a reassuring hand on Austen’s shoulder, his voice soft but full of emotion.


    “Earl Poulos’ passing was sudden, leaving so much unsaid. But never doubt his love for you. No one cherished you more. Now, it is your turn to uphold his legacy, continue his good works, and protect what he entrusted to you.”


    Austen nodded in silence, a single tear slipping from his eye and falling onto the document in his hand.


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    He had been so young when he was abducted, and the painful years that followed had stripped away nearly all of his childhood memories.


    In that moment, Austen felt a deep sense of Earl Poulos’ love—a quiet yet powerful presence. This enduring affection would give him the strength to keep going.


    “Your father didn’t ask for much,” Addison said gently. “He simply wanted you to be safe and well. The wealth he left is yours to build upon, to pursue your true desires.”<fn92fc> Latest content published on find{n}ovel</fn92fc>


    Austen took a deep breath, tightening his grip on the document. “I understand.”


    However, Heather, devastated by the loss of her inheritance, couldn’t ept the reality. Her face contorted in anger.


    “So what if you’ve proven your identity?” she hissed. “What about my son? He suffered because of you! I wantpensation!”


    “You won’t receive anything,” Austen replied, his voice cold, his gaze sharp and menacing. “If you don’t leave now, I assure you, your fate will be worse than your son’s.”


    Heather faltered under Austen’s lethal stare. She opened her mouth to retort but found herself paralyzed, unable to speak. Overwhelmed by fear, she gritted her teeth in anger. Spitting fiercely, she hissed, “You’ll regret this! This isn’t over!”


    Then, she stormed off, her steps quickening as if she feared Austen might strike back.


    The spectacle at the funeral had given the press more than enough material for scandal. The air buzzed with eager reporters snapping photos nonstop.


    The butler, maintaining his professionalism, stepped forward to address the crowd. “I apologize for the disturbance. However, I must remind you that His Lordship was a man of great kindness throughout his life, and his good name will not be sullied by today’s events. Please, let us continue with the funeral.”


    Following his words, the funeral resumed. The somber atmosphere returned as the mourners resumed honoring the Earl.


    Katelyn, Vincent, and Jaxen moved toward the coffin, each holding a single flower. They ced their flowers gently on Earl Poulos’ coffin, their actions measured and full of respect.


    Looking down at Earl Poulos’ serene expression, Katelyn silently offered a prayer.


    With the memorial over, it was time toy him to rest. The butler had chosen a beautiful cemetery set against a backdrop of rolling hills and distant mountains—a fitting final resting ce for Earl Poulos.


    As they lowered the casket into the ground, workers began filling the grave. Austen knelt silently at the gravesite, his father’s name freshly inscribed on the tombstone.


    Katelyn observed him from behind, noticing the slump of his shoulders. This loss had profoundly changed Austen. It was evident in the way he carried himself. From now on, he would uphold his father’s legacy, a duty to the family name that had once felt so distant.


    Breaking the silence, Austen spoke, his voice filled with regret. “Father, I’m so sorry. I was a fool. If only I could go back, I wouldn’t have stayed away. I would have weed you into my life much earlier…” His words were heavy with guilt, every syble a confession of the pain that would haunt him forever.


    This grief was now his to bear, a wound beyond healing. The atmosphere at the funeral was filled with emotion, broken only by the soft sound of Austen’s muffled sobs. Everyone stayed quiet, not wanting to disrupt the gravity of the moment.


    Suddenly, Katelyn looked up, her face puzzled. “Wait… look. What’s that?” Her outburst pierced the silence, prompting everyone to turn their gaze toward her.


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