"Jessica," said Charles with a sigh, "back when Chad was still with us, you were such a saint, always turning a blind eye to his

flings. Even when that hussy Magnolia kept picking fights with you, you never stooped to her level. You even took in Arnold to raise

as your own. I mean, I wish Harriet could be a bit like you. What's wrong with that?"

Jessica replied, "It's because I was too forgiving before that we're in this mess. Chad left who knows how many bastards running

around, stirring up trouble and robbing the Stirlings of any peace. Sure, a man can have his fun, but he's got to keep his lineage in

check. Not having illegitimate kids isn't a bad thing, Charles; it's actually a good thing."

Charles’ face was a picture of frustration, and it was clear that even if he called a family meeting, he couldn't discipline Harriet.

Leopold would veto any decision against her.

"Jessica, ever since Leopold took over, us Stirling men have been living like we're in a straightjacket, not even allowed to deal with

a woman who steps out of line."

Aurelia snorted, "Uncle Charles, the Stirling women have been biting their tongues for years. Now it's just about equality, that's all.

Besides, the one who's made a mistake isn't Aunt Harriet, but it's you."

Charles was so angry.

"What mistake have I made? The Stirling family allows a man to have more than one mistress."

"But our country's marriage laws don't, and family rules have to abide by the law. Cheating is a violation of those laws, and that

makes you the guilty party," retorted Aurelia.

Charles was about to explode with rage, Aurelia showing him no respect at all.

Seeing his discomfort, Jessica softened her tone to lighten the mood, "Charles, you're usually such a reasonable man, far better

than Chad ever was. I trust you'll set a good example for the younger ones."

Her words made Charles choked.

"I'm going to the card room to see how they are doing with their game." He left with his pride bruised.

Jessica glanced at Harriet, "Let's not bring this up again. It's over."

Harriet nodded in agreement, "Understood, Jessica."

Truth be told, she was the one behind the whole affair, paying off a servant to push that little tramp down the stairs, causing her to

miscarry. She could tolerate Charles having a fling, but she drew the line at illegitimate children.

Outside in the yard, Aurelia watched as Skyler and the kids played games, their laughter filling the air.

For the kids, holidays were always the highlight of the year.

When William spotted her, he crunning over.

"Mommy, when are we going to see daddy? I miss him."

"Tomorrow we're visiting your grandparents, and the day after, we'll see Daddy, okay?"

"Okay," William nodded obediently, hoping Arnold's leg would heal soon so he wouldn't have to lie in bed all day and could play

with him again.

"Do you like celebrating the festivals here at Elysium? It's your first time, right?" Aurelia asked, stroking William's hair.

"I do," William smiled, "Christmas in Goldstone was fun too."

Aurelia laughed gently, "But in Goldstone, all your little friends went back to their hometowns for Christmas. You had no one to play

with. Here, you have your cousins Kane, Nina, and Mira to keep you company. Isn't that nice?"

William pouted slightly, "That's true, but it's just not the swithout dad."

A little ways off, Mira sat on a stool, sipping hot cider and munching on chocolate.

Nina crunning over, "Aunt Aurelia, Mira ate so much chocolate today. I think she's getting chubby."

Hearing this, Mira quickly wiped her mouth and hid the chocolate behind her back.

"I didn't eat that much, just two pieces. And I am not getting chubby. It's just my winter clothes, they're bulky, and that's why I look

bigger," she protested.

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