The Disolate Scion

Imposter

Encountering someone with such an uncanny resemblance would make anyone uncomfortable, and Zak was no exception. However, unlike Juelz Vanderose's aversion, Zak remained calm, shifting his gaze away as he began to eat. 

"Who might you be?" Juelz loosened his tie and casually tossed it onto the sofa. He then stood beside Zak, gazing down at him, scrutinizing him for a moment before bursting into a disdainful chuckle. "Did you get your face done to look like me? How much did it cost?" 

Juelz was dressed in a sleek black suit, his hair perfectly styled, a smile gracing his refined face, though there was a hint of arrogance in his brows and eyes. He proudly held a golden trophy in his hand. 

Zak finished chewing his food and replied, "This is my natural face." 

His nonchalant attitude and their striking resemblance led Juelz to speculate, and his expression turned cold. "While I can still keep my composure, get out immediately." 

Zak calmly finished the rest of his meal, then turned and made his way back to his room. 

"What does this mean?" Juelz's face darkened as he looked at the hesitant Mrs. Sears. "Why did Mom bring back someone who looks exactly like me? Is he an impostor?"

"Eldest young master, he's not an impostor. You two are twins," Mrs. Sears tried to correct his misconception.

"Twins? I am one of a kind. Are Mom and Dad so easily fooled? If someone comes along later and gets their face done to look like mine, would you call them triplets?" Juelz exploded in anger, his fair face slightly distorted from the frustration, making him look a bit harsh.

"No, Madam and Master have already verified it; he is indeed your biological brother," Mrs. Sears sighed.

Zak remained silent.

His dark and profound eyes revealed no emotions.

Under this calm gaze, Juelz immediately realized he was losing control and quickly restrained his temper. Finally, he slammed the trophy in his hand and walked upstairs.

Juelz back in his room, smashed everything within reach.

For eighteen years, he had always been unique, but now someone else emerged, trying to vie for what belonged to him.

His parents, his classmates... everything would now be divided.

The more Juelz thought about it, the angrier he got. He grabbed a chair and smashed the piano with it.

"Oh, young master, please calm down. The piano is innocent," Mrs. Sears hurriedly rushed to the door when she heard the sound of the piano being smashed, but it was already too late.

She took the chair from Juelz's hand and looked at the damaged piano, feeling sorry for it. She couldn't understand why Juelz was so averse to Zak. "Young master, you two are blood-related brothers. The second young master grew up in the orphanage, and it was very tough for him."

Mrs. Sears intended to remind Zak of his difficult past, but it made Juelz laugh instead. "Blood-related brothers?" He couldn't help but disdainfully remark, "Is he even worthy? No wonder he looks so shabby. Turns out he grew up in an orphanage."

He didn't bother to say anything else and left, making it clear that he didn't welcome Zak.

After Benton Vanderose arrived home, he immediately called Mrs. Sears to inquire if Zak was causing any trouble.

Mrs. Sears shook her head and replied, "The second young master is exceptionally well-behaved."

However, instead of being satisfied with her response, Mr. Benton scoffed, "If he wasn't well-behaved, there's no way he could stay here."

Mr. Benton paused and looked at the only room on the ground floor, pointing at it, "Move Zak's room to here."

Mrs. Sears hesitated, "Master, that room is quite small; it might not be suitable for the second young master to stay..."

"He can't stay on the same floor as Juelz. You go up and make it clear to him." Mr. Benton interrupted Mrs. Sears and walked upstairs. 

Originally, this room was intended for Mrs. Sears to stay, but her home was nearby, and she had to go back to take care of her grandson, so she never stayed there.

There was simply no room for negotiation. Mrs. Sears reluctantly went upstairs and knocked on Zak's door.

"Second young master, Master wants you to stay on the ground floor. It's convenient, and you won't have to go up and down the stairs all the time."

"Okay." Zak didn't ask much. He packed a few pieces of clothing and moved to the downstairs room.

This room was only half the size of the upper floor, but it had a window where one could reach out and touch the flowers outside.

Zak sat at the table, opened a book, and thought of something. He turned his head to smile at Mrs. Sears, "Thank you, Mrs. Sears."

The young man's warm smile and gentle tone made Mrs. Sears quickly wave her hand, feeling even more guilty. "No need to thank me, second young master. It's all part of my duty."

As she sighed inwardly, she closed the door.

During dinner, Samantha Elliott finally returned home. As soon as her eyes fell on Zak, she mistook him for Juelz and affectionately pinched his cheek, saying, "I had some matters to attend to this afternoon, so I couldn't come to see you. You're not mad at me, are you?"

Zak looked up at Mrs. Samantha and called out, "Mom."

His calm demeanor instantly revealed his true identity, and the smile on Mrs. Samantha's face vanished. She released her hold on him and distanced herself, asking, "Where's Juelz?"

"Eldest young master went out and hasn't returned yet," Mrs. Sears replied from the side.

"He went out?" Mrs. Samantha's expression changed, and she suddenly looked at Zak, "Did you say something to him?"

Zak hesitated, "No."

In the end, she didn't finish her meal and went straight upstairs.

Benton Vanderose put down his spoon and didn't eat either. He followed her upstairs.

Seeing Mrs. Samantha and Mr. Benton both leaving the table, Zak politely smiled at Mrs. Sears, "I'm done eating. Please tidy up, Mrs. Sears." With that, he returned to his room, leaving only Mrs. Sears in the living room.

Not long after, footsteps were heard outside.

Juelz shouted, "Mom, Dad, I'm back."

Mrs. Samantha, who was upstairs applying a face mask, heard Juelz's voice and rushed downstairs, embracing him tightly. Seeing his wet hair, she felt distressed, "I was so worried. Why did you run out?"

"...It's nothing," Juelz shook his head and cautiously asked, "Mom, you don't need me anymore, do you?"

"How could that be? You are my heart. How could I not need you."

Juelz noticed the light on in the maid's room and was surprised, "Isn't Mrs. Sears not staying here? Why is the light on in the maid's room?"

Earlier, Juelz had called Mr. Benton and made it clear that he wouldn't come back home unless Zak's room was changed.