"Those who have seen the totem, you can take a good look,” Laurence said huskily, showing everybody the totem on his back. Every successive family head would bear the totem, but Laurence's was branded into the skin of his back.
Regardless, the totem was authentic.
It could not be faked.
The room fell silent as the senior family members inched closer for examination.
Those who had not seen the totem before would widen their eyes. It had been three decades since the family had been without a real leader. While they had no idea whether the totem was real or not, the look on the senior members' faces gave them the answer.
Tony and the senior family members, along with the elites, scrutinized the totem and confirmed that it was genuine. Only then did Noelle put Laurence's shirt down.
Laurence turned around, allowing Noelle to straighten out his clothing. He then took a seat while Noelle returned to her post behind him.
Her expression was stoic, and her piercing eyes would sweep the room every now and then.
No one was a stranger to Noelle as she had a reputation for being competent and fiercely loyal.
Noelle was Laurence's right-hand woman.
Silence hung heavily in the living room.
Everyone kept to themselves, deep in their thoughts.
Manny and Roxy would glance at Tony, waiting for him to make a move. It was Manny and Roxy's first time seeing the totem because the whole family only had one chance to see it when a new successor was taking over.
When the late family head took power, Manny was just a little child. He had not earned his right at the table yet.
Roxy was not even born yet at the time. She was witnessing the family heirlooms for the first time.
A long while later, Tony teared up, his voice choked with sobs. "Oh, God has shown mercy. Finally, we have found Laurence. The family really has its rightful leader.
"Laurence, we met at the auction. I told you that you resembled your father a lot. You are the child we've been searching for for thirty years."
While talking, Tony wiped his tears.
Laurence looked at him, thinking to himself that Tony must have had to conjure up a lot of sad stories to squeeze out those tears.
Tony did not get the reaction he expected from his act. He thought Laurence would be moved and have a tearful reunion.
He cursed at Laurence in his mind. The boy had come back to bite him because he hadn't been killed back then.
"Since you carry the family heirlooms, which we have verified to be genuine, you are now the head of the Longbottoms."
Tony turned to the senior members and asked, "Does anyone have objections?"
The crowd responded, "No. Mr. Laurence is the son of the late head of the family. He is the successor. Even though he didn't grow up in the family, the family blood runs thick in his veins.
"He is the sole surviving heir of the direct lineage. He's our new head, destined to command the family and lead us to success."