Chapter 2: The Name That Was Erased
The room leaned in as Daniel read aloud.
You were born into the Hawthorne family…
Gasps rippled through the guests.
Even Sophia froze.
The Hawthorne name wasn’t just wealthy—it was legendary. A dynasty that had vanished overnight two decades ago after a mysterious fire wiped out their estate and lineage.
“That’s impossible,” Sophia muttered. “The Hawthornes are dead.”
Daniel’s voice shook. “Apparently… not all of them.”
The elderly woman spoke gently. “Your parents knew something was wrong. There were threats. Business rivals. They feared for your life.”
“So they hid me?” Daniel asked.
She nodded. “They staged everything. The fire… it wasn’t an accident.”
A heavy silence followed.
“Then who did it?” Daniel asked.
May you like
Before she could answer, one of the guests stepped forward—an older man, pale and trembling.
“I think… I know.”
