The Fool's Gold

It Was Almost Effortless

“Are you sure, Young Master Watson?” a voice called out, making the crowd turn to see Martello stepping forward again.

Sultan's eyebrow arched, his expression teetering on the brink of scornful amusement. “I am sure of what I say,” he replied, his tone laced with growing irritation. “I am not a child who would speak of things he does not know, or tell lies.”

“How can we be sure you’re not being naive this time?” Martello questioned, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. “After all, you were once a gullible young man, and now, all of a sudden, you’ve changed.”

Sultan's hand tightened around the microphone, the metal cool and solid under his fingertips. “I assure you,” he said, his voice icy and controlled, “we have never met, and I have no idea why you seem to have a grudge against me.”

“However,” Sultan continued, “I do have evidence to back up my claims, if you are so doubtful.”

Martello’s eyes widened, his face contorting in a mixture of surprise and disdain. “You think a few forged docu