Everyone froze, stunned. None of them had considered whether Master Benedict's letter was genuine.
"Mr. Ashworth, is there any evidence to prove it *isn't* a letter from Master Benedict?" Cecil Winters's eyes darkened as he looked at Mr. Ashworth with a humorless smile.
"That's right, Mr. Ashworth. This news has spread like wildfire, and all of Veridia is in an uproar. How do you suggest we resolve this?" the man sitting next to Cecil Winters immediately chimed in.
"Besides, who would dare impersonate Master Benedict?"
Mr. Ashworth's brows knitted together. He was about to speak when he was interrupted by someone striding into the room.
"Mr. Blackwood…" Assistant Thorne hurried before the man seated at the head of the room and addressed him respectfully.
"What is it?" the man in the seat of honor finally spoke.
Assistant Thorne shot Mr. Ashworth a complicated glance from the corner of his eye. He hesitated, thinking about what he had to say next.
