Algernon was lounging about in his lavish London flat, his mind probably buzzing with witty remarks and clever comebacks.The peaceful afternoon was interrupted when Lane, Algernon's butler, walked in. Now, Lane was the epitome of a proper English servant - stiff as a board and about as expressive as one too.Before Ernest could make his grand entrance, something caught Algernon's eye. There, on the table, sat a cigarette case. It was just lying there, forgotten and lonely, like a wallflower at a dance. Now, Algernon was many things, but subtle wasn't one of them.He snatched up the case, turning it over in his hands like a kid with a new toy on Christmas morning. And boy, did he hit the jackpot! Inside was an inscription that would make even the nosiest neighbor's ears perk up. It read, "From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack." Uncle Jack? Now that was a head-scratcher. Last time Algernon checked, Ernest didn't have an Uncle Jack.Ernest waltzed in, all smiles and charm, completely oblivious to the storm that was brewing. Algernon greeted him warmly, but his mind was racing faster than a horse at the Derby.Algernon, smooth as butter, casually brought up the case. Ernest's reaction? It was like watching someone trying to catch a greased pig. He fumbled for words, his face going through more colors than a chameleon in a paint shop.The more Ernest squirmed, the more Algernon pushed. It was like watching a cat play with a mouse, but this mouse was wearing a fancy suit and had a lot more to lose. Ernest tried to change the subject, talking about everything from the weather to Algernon's aunt. But Algernon?The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. It was like being in a pressure cooker, with Ernest as the main ingredient and Algernon turning up the heat.Then came the bombshell. Algernon dropped the name "Jack" like it was a hot potato, and Ernest looked like he'd been hit by a runaway carriage.As Algernon kept pushing, it became clear that this wasn't just about a cigarette case anymore.The afternoon that had started so ordinarily had turned into a high-stakes game of truth or dare, minus the dare. The smell of Earl Grey hung in the air, mixing with the scent of Ernest's nervous sweat.Ernest's shoulders slumped as he let out a heavy sigh. The jig was up, and he knew it. He looked at Algernon, who was staring at him with eyes that sparkled like a cat who'd just cornered a mouse.