Leopold grunted as his bite proved sharper than anticipated.
"It's just a strand of hair, why the big fuss?"
William realized he'd overreacted and reluctantly let go, "Because you're picking on me, and I'm gonna tell Mom." His wails
crescendoed, masking his guilt. After all, kids could throw tantrums over anything.
Leopold handed him a tissue, "Chin up, kid. It's just hair. Why the waterworks?"
"You did it on purpose. You don't like me, seeas excess baggage. If Mom wasn't here, you'd have bootedout of the Stirling
family by now." William sniffed, tears streaming down his face.
Leopold was speechless. Had William always thought this way?
He lifted William and settled him back on the couch.
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"William, I've never seen you as a burden. | wish we could get along better. | wish you were my son, my Liam," he said earnestly.
William sniffed and stared wide-eyed.
"Why would you wantto be your son?"
"Because you remindso much of Liam," Leopold explained, "I've no clue what he'd look like all grown up, but | reckon he'd be a
lot like you. Kane's the spitting image of me, and Liam would've taken after Aurelia. You're just like her."
William blinked.
"You still hung up on Liam?"
"Yep, always on my mind. He's my boy, and how could | not? Every t| see you, | think of him. Weird, huh?"
William shrugged, "Too bad for you, I'm William, not your Liam."
Leopold gave him a wistful look, "Then why the panic over a hair? Scared I'll run a paternity test?"
"I'm not scared. You hurt me, picking on a kid," William puffed out his cheeks, determined not to show weakness.
Leopold produced a small Ziploc bag and tucked the hair inside.
"Whether or not you're my son, we'll know soon enough."
With a sly grin, he walked out.
William was frantic, plotting to retrieve his hair.
Watching Leopold leave, he dashed to find Kane.
"Kane, trouble. Uncle Leopold took my hair, my real hair. He's gonna do a paternity test. You gotta helpsnatch it back."
"What?" Kane jerked, "Dad's still doubting who you are?"
"He's always doubted. He won't rest until he proves I'm Liam. He's a villain," William fumed.
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Kane patted his shoulder, "Don't panic. The lab techs are on holiday. We just need to get the hair before they're back. I'll see what
dad's up to."
"Okay," William nodded.
Kane went to find Leopold. William stomped off to find Aurelia.
"Mommy, disaster. Uncle Leopold took my hair for a paternity test."
Hearing it, Aurelia's heart raced. Leopold wouldn't rest until he had his answers.
"William, if | can't stop the test, you need to brace yourself. We can't hide this anymore."
Hearing this, William burst into tears.
"I'm gonna find Daddy. | want to go back to Goldstone with him. | don't want to stay here anymore."