Everyone gathered closer to the newcomers who had just entered the party, curiosity rippling through the crowd like a wave.
Three figures stood near the entrance: two men in formal suits and a woman dressed in an elegant navy blazer. One of the men held a cream-colored envelope, its official seal catching the light.
Murmurs broke out as the Blackwood couple walked forward, their expressions shifting from surprise to cautious interest.
As soon as the two appeared, the three newcomers stepped forward with practiced precision, stretching out their arms in formal greeting. Their movements carried the weight of official business.
"Mister and Missus Blackwood," they echoed reverentially, bowing at the two with synchronized respect.
Arthur frowned, uncertainty flickering across his features as he finally shook the woman's hand. Her grip was firm, professional.
"Sorry for interrupting your celebration," the woman said, a smile breaking across her mouth, "but this couldn't wait."
The crowd held its breath, the silence almost suffocating.
"We are from the city council, Examination Department," she announced, her voice carrying authority.
"What is going on?" guests began to murmur among themselves, exchanging confused glances.
"And what brings you to my house?" Arthur asked, trying to sound calm though his jaw tightened imperceptibly.
The woman flashed a smile as she reached out and tore open the envelope with deliberate ceremony.
"We are here to congratulate the Blackwoods for producing such an outstanding prodigy from our city," she declared.
Silence descended before murmurs erupted like a dam breaking.
"The Blackwoods have done it once again!"
"Julian is so lucky. Now nothing is going to stop him."
"They must be so proud of him."
Julian, who stood at a distance flanked by Harrison, felt his heart leap. Awestruck at first, he quickly recovered, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Damn, this is my chance," he muttered, already moving forward through the crowd.
The woman was about to speak more when he dashed in and cried out, "Thank God! I can't believe it!"
The three officials swiveled around and caught sight of him, their expressions shifting to mild confusion.
The woman frowned slightly. "Who are you?"
"I am the Blackwoods' son," he said confidently, pushing his chest forward with practiced pride.
The woman's demeanor took a complete turn as recognition seemed to dawn. She smiled warmly and, with a slight bow, murmured, "It's an honor to meet someone of your caliber, Mister Blackwood."
Julian smiled, bathing in the glory, feeling every eye in the room upon him.
"Well, Mister Blackwood, it's an honor to have you in our province. You were the top student in the entire province," the woman continued, her voice filled with admiration. "The mayor has sent his regards and will be joining us later to offer his congratulations personally."
The murmurs intensified as the magnitude of the situation hit the guests. They discussed animatedly, casting furtive glances toward Arthur and Catherine, who smiled joyfully, their faces glowing with parental pride.
"Son, you are amazing!" Catherine skipped across the threshold and embraced Julian, her eyes glistening with tears of happiness.
Julian smiled and laughed as he wiggled in his mother's embrace, savoring the warmth of her affection.
Arthur walked forward and enthusiastically gave him a firm handshake, his grip strong with emotion. "I am so proud of you, son. You are the real Blackwood, our pride."
Julian smiled, his voice thick with false gratitude. "Thank you, Father."
The group of three waited until the intensity in the air had settled before the woman spoke again.
"Well, this is the certificate of honor we were sent to deliver," she said, pushing the card forward.
Julian's heart lurched. *Damn, I can't let them see it.* He leapt forward before his mother could reach over, his movements almost frantic.
"Julian, what's the matter?" Catherine called out, confusion etching her face as she studied her son's sudden agitation.
"No, nothing, Mum. Just enthralled," he mumbled anxiously, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
He reached out to grab the card, but the woman pulled it away, a frown creasing her brow.
Silence took over the room as guests noticed this exchange. Then the murmurs followed, whispers of concern spreading like wildfire.
"What are you doing? Give it," Julian mumbled, his teeth gritted, desperation creeping into his voice.
The woman took a step back, her professional demeanor returning as she asked a question that had popped into her mind. "You are Julian?"
Julian hesitated, his throat suddenly dry. "Ye—yes, I am," he stammered anxiously.
Arthur and Catherine watched the exchange with growing scowls, unease settling in their stomachs.
The woman nodded slowly, then turned to Arthur. "Mister Blackwood, if I am not intruding, may I ask—how many sons do you have?"
Silence descended, thick enough to cut with a knife. The question hung in the air like a guillotine blade.
Arthur's scowl deepened, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "What is the meaning of this?"
The woman shook her head, her expression apologetic yet firm. "I am sorry, Mister Blackwood, but there seems to be some kind of misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?" the crowd echoed, voices rising in confusion.
"I am just curious because, if I am not mistaken, the Blackwood in our records doesn't have a second name—Julian." The words fell like a declaration of war.
Gasps and shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd like an earthquake.
"What? It's not Julian?"
"How is that even possible?"
"You can't be serious! There's got to be some kind of mistake, right?"
"If not Julian, then does that mean...?"
Similar conversations rippled through the crowd as guests tried to understand what was unfolding before them, their faces reflecting shock and growing realization.
Arthur's face had gone pale, his voice struggling with disbelief. "What are you saying? That Julian isn't the top student in the province?"
The woman sighed, her expression sympathetic yet unwavering. "Sir, if there are no other Blackwoods in the city, then that means someone else from your family is the top student in the province." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle over the assembled guests.
The crowd gasped collectively, the revelation hitting them like a physical blow. Whispers erupted in every direction. Some guests leaned toward their neighbors, eyes wide with astonishment. Others stood frozen, struggling to process what they'd just heard. Arthur's hand trembled slightly as he gripped the edge of the podium, his knuckles whitening. The pride that had illuminated his face moments ago had vanished, replaced by a dawning horror he couldn't quite conceal.