The Inherited Stranger

Mr. Smith, the family lawyer who had served the household for over a decade. His

ogany desk. My name was inked boldly on the front, the handwriting unmistakably my l

about the way Mr. Smith avoided my gaze told me this wasn't just any le

ar E

s gone. You've been like a daughter to me since I took you in, and I want you to know I'm proud of you. This letter contains the will

"I have to live there for a year with some rando?" The n

s instructions," Mr. Smith said calmly, seeing

Vance, and why does he g

as'

Island. The wind tugged at my shirt, carrying the faint scent of salt and earth. This i

head. "You won't be alone there, Lucas

was one word for it.

me was Elena Hayes. I had no idea who she was, but if she thought this island was going to be hers, she was in for a surprise. Erténa wasn't just an island to

ecting guest," I said into the phone. "E

ena'

ir daughter Tiffany for years, but Uncle Frederick was the only one who ever treated me like family. Aunt Clarissa an

would make such terms," I mutte

out from the staircase, a mischievous smile on her face. O

t, Tiffany?" I ask

think you have the right to be

en years. I have as much rig

took in. Now that he's gone, neither my mother nor I owe you a thing. T

tort, but a sharp slap fro

oday, you cease to be a member of this family. Pa

really want to live with these monsters? No. Erténa Island might just be my ticket, not only t

envelope containing Uncle's letter and tossed it at her. "No worries. You won'

room, leaving the two of them

n island??" Tiffany shriek

for a year before claiming the inheritance,"

Lucas who's been living

p this. That wretch can't possess what should be o

h a Lucas for a whole year?" I wondered. "What if he's a creepy old pervert? A dangerous maniac?... No

spent in the mansion flooded my mind. It was time to change my fortune, and finally uncover the secrets

opped at the entrance of a sprawling estate-like island. A shadowy

s eyes, I knew my life wa