Chapter 1Birthright Claim? Grab a Number First

My parents’ marriage was never about love. It was a merger.

So after they designated me—a boy with no blood ties to either of their families, but who had received the finest education money could buy—as their sole heir, they went their separate ways to sow their wild oats.

But the latest “true heir” to show up on our doorstep didn't know any of this.

He just slapped a DNA test on the table in front of me, his chin held high.

“You’ve been living my life for eighteen years. Don’t you think it’s time to give it back?”

“Get a clue and get out,” he sneered.

“And don’t think for a second I’m one of those useless characters from those real-vs-fake heir novels.”

“I got my acceptance letter from MIT this year.”

The live comment feed scrolling across my vision lit up in agreement.

【The real heir is finally back! I love this ruthless persona.】

【I can’t stand those guys who just play the victim, all crocodile tears and fake stumbles down the stairs.】

I gave a cold smile.

He was the eighth one last month.

Eleven the month before that.

When would it ever end?

—

* * *

After Leo slammed the paternity test down in front of me, he tilted his chin up, his voice dripping with arrogance.

“You’ve been living my life for eighteen years. Now, it’s time to give it back, don’t you think?”

Before I could even respond, the familiar, semi-transparent comment stream in front of my eyes began to flood with new messages.

【The real heir is back! Hell yes!】

【This is what I’m talking about, straight to the action! None of that boring setup!】

Leo was clearly pleased with his opening gambit.

He cleared his throat, continuing with a script he’d likely lifted from some trashy web novel:

“Get a clue and get out on your own, before I’m forced to make you.”

Then, he added a little flourish of his own.

“And don’t think I’m like those useless heirs from the stories. I got my acceptance letter from MIT this year.”

The comments exploded.

【Whoa, a genius character? I’m sold!】

【The fake heir doesn’t stand a chance now.】

【Place your bets, how long until the fake heir ‘accidentally’ falls down the stairs? Hurry up with the classic scenes!】

I adjusted my glasses, my expression unreadable.

After all, he was the sixth self-proclaimed “true heir” to show up with a DNA test this month.

Last month, there were eight of them.

The month before that, eleven.

I almost had enough to form two soccer teams.

Our butler, Peterson, stood behind me, not even bothering to lift an eyelid.

A few of the maids, who were polishing antique vases nearby, exchanged subtle glances, the corners of their mouths twitching with suppressed laughter.

The silence in the room stretched, thick with awkwardness.

I broke it, my voice flat.

“Are you finished?”

Leo clearly hadn't expected this reaction. He stiffened his neck, retorting, “What’s that supposed to mean? You don’t believe me?”

“I believe you,” I said with a nod. I took the crumpled report from his hand and passed it to Peterson without a second glance.

“If he shares my father’s blood, then he belongs in the Hebert family.”

“Peterson, please show our… new young master to a guest room. What about the south-facing suite on the third floor? The view is quite nice.”

Peterson bowed slightly. “Of course, Mr. Adrian.”

The entire exchange was smooth, polite, and perfectly executed.

Leo was completely stunned.

The comment stream went quiet for a few seconds, then a few confused messages trickled through.

【??? This isn’t in the script?】

【Why isn’t the fake heir playing by the rules? Shouldn’t he be on his knees, begging for mercy?】

【I don’t know… this feels like punching a pillow.】

I looked at Leo’s face, now flushed a deep shade of crimson, and felt a genuine urge to laugh.

This act, it seemed, was going to be a little more interesting than the last five.