Chapter 4Birthright Claim? Grab a Number First

After Isabella’s verbal annihilation, Leo kept a low profile for a few days.

He mostly sulked in the master suite he’d claimed, plotting God knows what.

I was more than happy for the peace and quiet, and went about my days as usual, reading and managing my portfolio.

But the tranquility only lasted for three days.

On the fourth day, as I was heading downstairs for a glass of water, I saw Leo pacing back and forth near the top of the main staircase.

He would peer down at the steep angle of the steps, then tentatively tap the edge of a stair with the toe of his shoe, muttering to himself.

I leaned against the living room wall, water glass in hand, and watched him with a flicker of amusement.

【It’s happening! The classic ‘fall down the stairs’ scene!】

【My guess: the fake heir pushes the real one, the parents see it, and he’s disowned for good!】

【You got the script backwards. Obviously, the real heir is going to frame the fake one!】

【Finally! My heart is pounding, my hands are shaking! Is this it?】

I see.

I adjusted my glasses, the picture becoming clear.

It seemed Isabella’s words had gone completely over his head.

For the next two days, he spent hours rehearsing near the staircase.

Even from a distance, I could practically feel his internal struggle:

Would the impact be greater if I landed head-first, or would the rolling posture be more convincing?

Finally, he chose his auspicious day.

That afternoon, my parents were out, leaving just the two of us and a few servants in the vast villa.

As I was about to leave my study, I saw him waiting at the top of the stairs, a look of grim determination on his face.

When he saw me, his eyes lit up, and he quickly shifted into position.

One foot hovered in mid-air, his body leaned forward precariously, poised to tumble down at the slightest touch.

I continued walking toward him, my pace steady.

The comment stream went into a frenzy.

【Do it! Push him! Prove you’re not a coward!】

【This is it! The big moment! I can’t wait to see him roll!】

As I drew closer, Leo’s expression shifted from nervous to expectant, with a touch of theatrical martyrdom.

I was just three steps away when my phone vibrated.

I paused and pulled it out.

It was a text from Peterson:

【Mr. Adrian, there is a gentleman at the door named Samuel. He claims to be your… brother.】

Another one.

I glanced at Leo, still frozen in his absurd, one-legged pose, and gave him a polite nod.

Then, I turned on my heel and walked toward the other staircase at the far end of the hall.

Leo was completely petrified.

He remained in his ridiculous pose, watching in disbelief as I calmly walked away.

By the time I reached the grand foyer, Peterson was already escorting a young man inside.

He was dressed in a simple white shirt and jeans, looking quiet, refined, and almost fragile.

His eyes, however, bypassed me completely, locking onto Leo, who was still standing awkwardly at the top of the stairs.

Leo finally snapped out of it, his face a mask of wary confusion as he stared at the intruder.

The newcomer, Samuel, walked directly to the foot of the staircase.

Then, from his canvas bag, he pulled out a file and threw it, hard, right into Leo’s face.

The papers struck his skin with a sharp slap.

Leo was stunned into silence.

Samuel’s voice was soft, but it cut through the air with chilling clarity.

“You imposter. It’s your turn to get out.”