The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold)
Chapter 856

Skyler gnawed on a barbecue rib, drawing out the flavor, and said lazily, “My parents have their spats too. Dad had his brush with a home-wrecker once just like my cousin, but Mom kicked her to the curb.” Mrs. Heninger glanced at him and teased as she inquired in a light tone, “And who might this mistress be?” “Her nmight be Adah.” Skyler pulled a face. “Not a beauty either, nothing on Mom.” Jessica felt a jolt of recognition. She knew Adah who was her elder brother's first love, the daughter of a servant, growing up alongside him.

Her father would never consent to a servant’s daughter marrying into the Heninger family. A Heninger bride, if not a high society dame, at least had to hail from a well-educated family.

“When did all this happen?” “Just last year.” Skyler stuck out his tongue playfully. “Mom was fuming. She and Dad had it out big time, even involved Grandma. Grandma gave Dad a piece of her mind and made him swear in the family chapel he’d never see that woman again.” Jessica furrowed her brow. After all these years, was Adah still entangled with her elder brother? Persistent, to say the least.

Aurelia sighed inwardly. It seemed that men of stature always had their fair share of admirers and temptresses.

Either the men were dogs, sniffing around every skirt in town. Or the women were bitches, scheming to land in their beds.

She thought of her future with Leopold. No doubt, there would be a parade of mistresses and flings to contend with.

She'd have to be ever-vigilant, ready to defend her love at all costs.

At the thought of it, she felt her heart twisted with discomfort.

Deep down, she yearned to remarry Leopold, not just for their child's sake, but for herself.

Despite her tough talk, she cared for Leopold immensely.

It was precisely that deep care that left her anxious and fearful. She was afraid of being abandoned once more, of not being able to pick herself up again.

She wasn't as strong or as detached as she pretended. The scars from his last blow hadn't yet healed.

William sighed like an old soul, “Why does the adult world have to be so complicated? Kids have it much simpler.” Skyler blinked and whispered, “William, lettell you a secret. Even the Pinnacle Ivy League School is complex.

Genius kids live in a different world than regular ones.” William looked puzzled. “There's bullying at Pinnacle Ivy League School?” Skyler revealed a hint of mystery, “The school runs a tight ship, no bullying like at regular schools, but there's a pecking order. I overheard steachers.” Arnold gave a faint smile, “Yeah, there's a pecking order. But those in Class A sit at the top, so no worries there.” Kane, expressionless, added, “Wherever there are people, there's competition, in-fighting, scheming. You either adapt or you change the game. Kids’ innocence only lasts until school starts. After that, it's survival of the fittest.” He preferred to be the gchanger, keeping control in his hands, and William felt the same.

“As Stirlings, we must, and will always stand at the very top of that pecking order.” Jessica smiled warmly, her words filled with gravity, “Remember this, unity between us will make us stronger.

The family must never turn on each other. Our fortunes rise and fall together. It's only through solidarity that we remain invincible.” “Yeah.” The boys nodded obediently.

Skyler sighed to himself. “If only Geoffrey understood this too. Who knows what he is up to, and how many more plots he is brewing.”

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