Chapter 1727: The real son

"So what I’m saying is... Jonathan might not be the real son of the fake Naylani."

Everyone turned to Mint with furrowed brows. They all knew that she and Hugo had spent the night reviewing the clues from Jonathan’s wall. Even though Zoren’s "investigation" was already packed with overwhelming information, digging into Jonathan’s personal history couldn’t hurt.

They were convinced there were things even Zoren didn’t know.

At least, that’s what Mint believed.

As for Hugo, who had been with her the entire night, his concern was different: Zoren’s data came entirely from the first timeline—not just from his investigation, as he claimed. And Jonathan... Jonathan had returned in this lifetime with his memories intact. He might have changed a thing or two. Or more. So, they couldn’t fully rely on Zoren’s memories alone because changes would’ve happened.

That’s why they had to be cautious.

And so, after a sleepless night fueled by excessive coffee and sweets, Mint and Hugo came to a conclusion.

"What does that mean?" Dean was the first to ask, pointing at Zoren. "This guy made it clear last night that Jonathan is the fake Naylani’s son. And considering he infiltrated the Pierson Family, claiming to be his brother, it’s obvious that he knew he was Naylani’s son. He might not know the Naylani is fake, but his interest in the Pierson Family and that wall he had given away his plans to take over."

Mint nodded. "True. And I’m not saying that’s wrong. Zoren had every reason to believe that—because Jonathan was meant to be her son."

"Meant to be...?" Atlas echoed, catching the phrasing and tilting his head. "Are you saying...?"

"Mint and I have been thinking about it all night," Hugo said, leaning on the back of the couch where Penny and Zoren sat. "It wouldn’t be surprising if the fake Naylani got cocky, thinking Nathalie needed her—and struck some deal. People like that, when given a little bit of power, tend to get overwhelmed with greed and not reason."

"But also, let’s not forget Nathalie killed her own sisters without blinking," he added in a grim tone. "She’s not the type to take threats lightly."

"She’s arrogant, confident, and cruel," Penny muttered, nodding. "Now that you mention it... yeah. It’s strange that she’d just grant the impostor’s wish like that. Not when her little pawn forgets she’s a pawn."

Another heavy silence fell over the group.

Eventually, all eyes returned to Mint as she continued.

"Hugo and I don’t know how Jonathan found out or why—but if he did, it would explain that wall." She pointed to the evidence wall behind her. "We believe Jonathan infiltrated—or made a deal with—Nathalie for everything that’s happening in Anteca."

"What he asked for in return is unclear. Maybe he wanted the Zorken Family’s help to take over the Pierson Corporation. After all, as head of the Pierson Family, Jonathan would be a major asset to Nathalie."

"The Piersons are powerful," she continued. "They’ve got booming subsidiaries across almost every industry. And their resources are limitless. Allying with them would be smarter than siding with any other family in the socialite circle."

"And whoever has them holds the most influence in the country," Charles chimed in, nodding.

"But clearly, with the existence of that underground vault, Jonathan Pierson doesn’t intend to honor the deal," Haines said, watching as Mint and Hugo both nodded.

"And it seems Nathalie already sensed that," she added. "There’s already been an attempt on Jonathan’s life. Thankfully, Penny was with him the first time."

Charles turned to his daughter with a frown. Penny only gave an awkward smile in return.

"I swear that was a coincidence," she muttered under her breath. "I didn’t invite the trouble purposely."

"I’m not sure why Jonathan didn’t retaliate after that," Mint said, "but what we do know is that he might actually help us finish this case."

"I already increased security around his ward," Zoren stated. "He’ll be safe... unless something unexpected happens."

Atlas rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "If Jonathan isn’t the fake Naylani’s son... then who is?"

"I think I know," Penny said quietly.

Everyone turned to her.

"I’m not entirely sure, and I don’t have solid proof yet, but... I have a gut feeling."

Zoren raised an eyebrow and side-eyed his wife. He remembered something they had discovered from the orphanage—a detail that made Penny stop in her tracks back then.

Jonathan’s real name in the orphanage was Nathaniel.

And Penny had a long history with someone of that name.

Zoren couldn’t help but think of his past life.

In his first life, he had confronted Nathaniel—the man responsible for the fall of the Bennet Family. He had manipulated the naive Penny and even tipped off authorities about the discrepancies in Global Prime Logistics’ data.

That’s how Penny had found out, and how she swore she’d settle the score if she ever survived.

More importantly, Nathaniel had held a significant role in the Information Center long before Penny’s arrest. His rank wasn’t that high—he still took orders from someone—but after Penny’s case closed, he rapidly rose through the ranks and became one of the Center’s "Bar Managers."

Even so, Zoren had spared him. Nathaniel had repented, genuinely regretted his actions. To reopen Penny’s case, Zoren had made a deal with him. And Nathaniel had agreed. At the time, they had a real shot at clearing Penny’s name with Nathaniel’s help.

But they were too late.

Penny was executed, and Nathaniel ended up dead shortly after. Someone had found out about his cooperation with Zoren.

’On top of that, Jonathan had already shown interest in the Information Center even before,’ Zoren thought, his brows furrowing.

Out loud, he said, "Jonathan recently seized control of the Information Center. I’m assuming he had help from Nathalie’s forces."

Slowly, Zoren lifted his gaze and met everyone’s eyes. "It’s possible that Jonathan did this not because he needed the Center’s network."

He let the pause hang as everyone seemed to catch on.

Still, he finished the thought out loud.

"...It’s possible he did it to gain information on the fake Naylani’s real son."