Chapter 409
Aria made her way back inside just as the inheritance ceremony began.
A middle–aged man stood in the center of the hall, solemnly announcing, “Today, Todd School officially holds its inheritance ceremony. On behalf of my father Maverick, I hereby pass on the responsibilities and legacy of Todd School to his disciple, Culver.”
Culver rose, facing the crowd, and bowed deeply before making his way forward.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure, and his pupils shrank–he stumbled, nearly losing his balance.
Finlay Todd quickly steadied him, shooting a subtle glance at Aria as he whispered, “Careful.”
Culver regained his composure, but inside, his thoughts were a raging storm.
He thought, ‘What is Aria doing here? Does she know the seal is the real National Doctor’s Seal?‘
Even if she does, what of it? If the seal hadn’t mysteriously gone missing, he would’ve inherited Todd School ages ago. The seal belongs to him, period.
Culver took a steadying breath, then bowed to Finlay. “Fintay, you’re Maverick’s son. Please accept my bow on his behalf.”
Afterward, Culver approached the altar, paying respects to the ancestral masters as Finlay recited the family rules and traditions.
Aria strode right over and sat down next to Martin.
Finlay noticed her, his voice faltering just a beat as he recited, but he quickly regained his rhythm.
Martin leaned over, lowering his voice, “What did Nikolas want with you?”
“We talked about Maverick,” Aria replied.
“I see.” Martin sighed. “Maverick was a hell of a loss.”
Aria glanced at him, “Martin, did you know Maverick personally?”
Martin nodded. “We saw a lot of each other when we were young. As, we got older, we drifted apart.”
Finlay finished the family rites, then lifted a sandalwood box from the altar and opened it for all to see. “This is the National Doctor’s Seal of Todd School. Today, I hand it over to you.”
Culver knelt, holding up both hands. “I will not let you down.”/
Finlay withdrew the seal. In the sunlight, the deep red jade glistened like blood.
Suddenly, a harsh voice rang out, “That National Doctor’s Seal is a fake!”
Everyone froze, turning to the doorway.
A middle–aged man stood there, glaring at Culver with raw resentment. “He’s not qualified to inherit Todd School!”
Culver stood, meeting the man’s icy gaze. “Axton, you were expelled by Maverick. You have no right to be here.”
“Finlay has already verified the seal is real,” Culver shot back, but Axton sneered, stepping further into the hall. “If you look closely in the sunlight, the true National Doctor’s Seal shows the word ‘Todd‘ inside. This one is too clear, too perfect–it’s a forgery, and an obvious one at that. Finlay, how could you be so blind?”
Culver’s gaze flickered to Aria in the crowd–she wore a lazy, mocking smile.
409
His heart dropped, fists clenching tight.
He thought, ‘Is the seal really fake? Is the real one still with Aria?‘
He’d quit his position at the Association for this inheritance. If it turned out the National Doctor’s Seal was fake, his career would be destroyed,
She set me up. She’s been waiting for me to walk right into her trap.
Culver’s face darkened, his eyes glinting with menace.
Martin noticed the murderous look and whispered, “Aria, why is Culver staring at you like that? Has he lost it?”
He thought, ‘Could it be… Was that fake seal originally with Aria?‘
Martin’s mind raced. No way, is Aria actually the true heir to Todd School?
Aria’s voice was soft and calm, “I have no idea. Maybe he’s sick or something.”
Her tone was so relaxed that Martin’s suspicion faded. “Yeah, must be.”
After all, Aria and Culver had been rivals ever since Jamelan.
Culver collected himself, fixing Axton with a death stare. “There’s no way the National Doctor’s Seal is fake. You’re just jealous and trying to sabotage the succession.”
Finlay considered this, then spoke up, “Very well. We’ll examine the seal right here and now.”
Axton smirked, “If it’s real, I’ll admit Culver is the rightful heir.”
A bead of sweat trickled down Culver’s spine. He glanced at Aria, gritted his teeth, and declared, “Real or not, Maverick has already handed Todd School to me. The ceremony is done.”
Axton glared, “What are you so afraid of?”
Finlay stepped into the sunlight, holding up the seal for everyone to see. “Silence, please.”
He rotated the seal, letting the light pass through the blood–red jade–on the shadow it cast, the word “Todd” was faintly visible.
Finlay announced, “The National Doctor’s Seal is genuine.”
Axton’s eyes widened in disbelief as he marched up for a closer look. “Impossible. Finlay, give it to me.”
It really was real.
Culver’s entire body relaxed in relief.
Finlay pulled the seal away from Axton’s outstretched hand. “My father made his decision. Todd School is Culver’s now. Let it go.”
Axton shook his head. “I don’t believe it.”
Nikolas hurried over, practically dragging Axton out. “The inheritance ceremony is over.”
And just like that, Culver became the thirteenth head of Todd School.
Martin stood, frowning. “Something about this whole thing feels off.”
Aria’s smile was cold. “Well, Culver’s the head of Todd School now.”
Half an hour earlier, by the pond, Nikolas had confirmed it: “So you really knew my grandfather.”
09:59 Sat, 21 Jun
Chapter 409
Maverick had only ever accepted two disciples: Axton and Culver.
Todd School valued blood ties over all; it was unthinkable that an outsider would inherit.
Yet Maverick had promised the school to Culver.
Axton hadn’t understood. He’d argued with Maverick.
The rest of the family didn’t get it either, but no one dared make it public–they couldn’t let outsiders see Todd School’s dirty laundry.
Nikolas had asked, “Where did Culver’s National Doctor’s Seal come from? It’s a priceless heirloom, Ms. Saxon. Please, you must know.”
Aria’s expression didn’t change. “I need to see him first.”
Nikolas’s shoulders slumped, his hands curling into fists. “My grandfather is missing.”
Aria froze. “What? Didn’t you say your family brought him home?”
Nikolas‘ face filled with guilt. “It’s my fault. Four years ago, I was supposed to bring Grandpa home, but on the way there was a car accident. When I finished dealing with it, Grandpa had vanished. The authorities locked down the whole area, searching everywhere–but he was gone.”
It was only after Maverick disappeared that the family began to suspect maybe there was a deeper reason for wanting Culver to inherit.
Aria asked, “You all knew the National Doctor’s Seal was a fake, didn’t you?”
Nikolas nodded. “We knew.”
Aria said, “The real one’s with me. But I can’t give it to you.”
Nikolas wasn’t surprised–if the forgery was that perfect, only the real National Doctor’s Seal could have served as its model.
Nikolas pressed, “And the medical books–are they with you, too?”
Aria replied, “They are. And I’m not giving them up either.”
“Good,” Nikolas said quietly. “Maybe it’s better that way.”
Only a few people had known their route that day. Despite all the security, Maverick had still been kidnapped.
Whoever’s been watching Todd School isn’t simple.
Aria asked, “What was the real purpose of this inheritance ceremony?”
Nikolas replied, “To put Culver in the seat of power.”
AD
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