Just listening to the raw anger that poured out of Fredrick's voice made Arthur raise his brow slightly in amusement.John was beaming with pride, his body shaking as he told the details to his father over the phone. To Arthur, all these were useless, but now he suddenly understood what the System had meant. People like John, never gave up until everything they owned was stripped from their hands. “Walter! Is this true?!” Fredrick bellowed over the phone. Walter glanced at Arthur, worriedly. He had no idea who Arthur was.If it turned out Arthur was from a small-time family, Walter could lose his job and nothing could save him from Fredrick's wrath. This made Walter hesitate to answer. However, Walter's silence was all Fredrick needed.“I am coming over with my men. Don't any of you dare move an inch!” Fredrick threatened. “And that so-called young master, when I get my hands on you, you'll regret ever crossing me.”“For an old man, you make a lot of noise.” Arthur's cold voice

Jessica froze.Mr. Price’s words echoed in her head, refusing to fade.You look like someone I know.Her fingers tightened unconsciously on the edge of the table. She lifted her head, forcing composure onto her face, even as her heart pounded unevenly.“I think you’re mistaken, sir,” she said softly. “I’m an orphan.”The words tasted familiar—well-practiced. A shield she had worn all her life.Mama Tilda nodded beside her at once, her voice gentle but firm. “Yes, sir. Jessica has no parents. I raised her.”But Mr. Price didn’t look convinced.He narrowed his eyes slightly, studying Jessica as though peeling back layers only he could see.“No… I could have sworn,” he murmured. “That resemblance isn’t coincidence.”His gaze softened, distant. The kind of look men wore when memories resurfaced uninvited—old faces, old regrets.Jessica’s chest tightened.For half a second, hope rose unbidden.Did he know my mother?The thought startled her. Dangerous. She crushed it immediately, lowering