The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold)
Chapter 1021

Jessica descended the stairs with her usual grace, a frown on her face. "Fredric, your wife's spot on. "Through thick and thin, stay next to him." That's the Stirling family creed. We all know the score with Leopold's ‘divorce’ was a charade to throw Megan off the scent. And as for Arnold, he got hoodwinked by his mischief-making mom. They had their reasons. But what's your excuse for wanting a divorce? Only to chase after sfresh face, huh? Sheryl was your pick, remember? The Stirling family didn't make you marry Sheryl. 'For better, for worse," and all that jazz. You've shared years and kids, and if she's not earned stripes for her triumphs, she sure as hell has for her trials. Can the new girl in town hold a candle to her or put with your quirks the way Sheryl does?" Her stance was crystal clear. She was vehemently against the divorce. She had zero tolerance for irresponsible heartbreakers.

Fredric knew Jessica would say as much. Chad had set the sexample for her back in the day.

This whole mess had ripped open old wounds for her.

But still...

"Mom, there's no love left between Sheryl and me. Why drag it out? A divorce is best for us." Jessica's tone was stern as if she were laying down the law. "Look, it's normal for the spark to fizzle out after a while. A marriage isn't built on feeling but on duty. You wouldn't want a divorce if you had an ounce of responsibility toward your kids and home. You can have your cake and eat it, but bringing her into this house as a wife? That's not the Stirling way." Fredric had toyed with the idea, but Jelena wasn't like the rest. She would be nobody's mistress. And he genuinely liked her a lot.

She was nothing like the others he had dated or taken to bed.

He glanced at Aurelia, hoping she'd throw him a lifeline, but Aurelia would never speak for him.

She wasn't about to put her head on the chopping block, especially since she objected to the divorce herself.

Her idea of a fair compromise involved Fredric cutting Jelena a hefty check and parting ways with no strings attached.

Fredric was no husband material, not by a long shot. Sure, he might behave while Sheryl was young and pretty. But he'd be out chasing tail again in a few years.

Unless he wrecked his kidney or something, he wouldn't cease his philandering ways.

And that depended on whether he inherited the full measure of Chad's roving eye.

After all, even with a bum kidney, Chad had lived it up to the end.

She sipped her coffee, keeping her head down. It was a tto play dumb.

Leopold caught Fredric's plea and spoke gravely, "Fredric, listen. Aurelia and I stand with Mom. We're against this divorce. The Stirling family may tolerate a man's dalliances, but you can't toss Sheryl aside like that. She won't stand in your way." Aurelia nearly choked on her coffee. When had she ever made her stance clear? Did Leopold decide for her? Fredric's expression was one of sheer astonishment. He had figured Aurelia was on his side. And Leopold would fall in line if Aurelia whispered in his ear.

And Arnold? That was a sure vote. He was confident the divorce motion would pass at the family council.

But Aurelia opposing him? What was her angle? Was she closer to Sheryl than to Jelena? "I've fallen for someone. I've felt this way for long, and she won't settle for being a mistress. I don't want that for her, either. I want her as my wife. I deserve a chance to choose again." Sheryl felt a heavy blow. "You've had your share of flings, Fredric. What will stop you from saying the sthing when the next younger, prettier face comes along?" Aurelia silently agreed. That was the playboy talk.

Fredric frowned. "Can't you be like Lisa? Part on good terms, and giveyour blessing."

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