Book To Read
Chapter 1038
Chapter 1038
After dinner, Jelena called Aurelia to join her for a stroll through the garden.
"Are you and Leopold on the rocks because of me?" she asked.
"No way." Aurelia forced a smile.
Jelena wasn't buying it, "Come on, you can't fool me. You two didn't exchange a single word during the
meal."
Aurelia let out a heavy sigh, "It's just that Leopold and I are from different worlds. He's the big-shot
CEO, I'm just an entry-level staffer. He's from an old-money dynasty, I'm straight out of Main Street.
He's always had the upper hand, never really considering my opinions, my feelings. The most I could
do for you was to get him to drop his veto power. The rest is up to Fredric now."
Jelena wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "Why go back to him, then? Why not choose Arnold?
He's kinder, gentler, treats you better. Is it because of Kane?"
A wistful smile crept across Aurelia's face, "What choice do I have? Who willingly picks the high road
when the low road's an option? I'm no masochist."
Jelena ruffled her hair playfully, "Feels like you're taking a dig at me. I picked the high road." Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
"That's not the high road, and that's a path through hell," Aurelia stuck out her tongue. "Fredric and his
wandering eye are never going to change. You sure you can handle that?"
Jelena shrugged off the concern with a nonchalance, "How many in the socialite circle aren't on their
second marriage? Those who grow old together are rare as hen's teeth. Only the Stirling family
manage it, strict family rules and all."
Aurelia pointed out, "Fredric has two kids. They might not take to you, let alone live in harmony.
Stepmother is not an easy role to play."
Jelena was unfazed, "Fredric says after the divorce, Sheryl will still look after the kids. I won't live with
them. He's hardly ever home anyway, the kids are used to it."
Aurelia was speechless. To betray Sheryl was one thing, but to neglect his own children for his
pleasures was the mark of a true cad.
"If a man doesn't care for his own kids and only seeks his own pleasure, isn't that the epitome of
scum?" she challenged.
Jelena appeared unfazed, "Aurelia, I've made up my mind. As long as he divorces, I'm with him. Stop
trying to talk me out of it."
Sighing in resignation, Aurelia replied, "If you're set on it, then I've got nothing but best wishes for you.
But Sheryl's no pushover. She might react strongly, so be careful."
"I'm aware. Don't worry," Jelena smiled faintly, almost hoping for Sheryl to make a move, and it would
only strengthen Fredric's reasons for divorce.
On the other side of the garden, William and Kane were catching fireflies among the bushes.
William had already trapped several in his mason jar. Back in Goldstone, Arnold used to catch fireflies
with him in the backyard.
"Kane, are you going to vote against the family at the council meeting?"
Kane nodded. Nina had asked for his help in stopping her parents’ divorce, and he had agreed.
He never supported the selfish acts of adults.
"Fredric is wrong," he said, "I can't side with him."
William grimaced, "If it were me, I wouldn't care who's right or wrong. I'd help whoever's good to me.
What's the point in helping someone who doesn't care about you, and hurting those who do?"
Kane glanced at him, "You don't like Sheryl?"
"I don't," William admitted, "When Mommy and Uncle Leopold were divorcing, she couldn't wait for
Mommy to leave the Stirling family. If you help her, Mommy, Jelena, Aunt Gilda, Grandpa, Grandma,
Avery, and even Great-Grandparents will be disappointed."