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

Chapter 1070

Aurelia brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, "I was just asking, no big deal. As long as the

issue's settled, that doesn’t matter. I'm taking off now."

She was holding back a storm inside her, but she said nothing and turned to leave.

The next day, she called up Jelena to join her at Grace Lutheran Chapel, where they had the pastor

conduct a special memorial service for Joyce, to bring her peace.

Jelena said, "They caught the grave desecrator, some two-bit street magician claiming he was hired to

perform a ritual, but he doesn't know who really put him up to it. I can't think of who would stoop so low

to not even let the dead rest in peace."

Aurelia knew who it was but kept it to herself. She was going to make Sheryl pay, to get justice for

Chloe.

"This Saturday is the family meeting of the Stirling family."

Jelena patted her shoulder, "Don't stress. Whatever you decide, it won't change anything between us."

That night, Aurelia sat by the window, staring out into the dark night. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Winter had arrived, a light drizzle fell, and the wind carried a hint of frost.

Leopold came in and draped a blanket over her shoulders, "Aren't you cold?"

"I'm repenting," she murmured softly.

Leopold was taken aback, "What do you have to repent for?"

"Joyce's grave was desecrated, her headstone splashed with black paint, her ashes dug up and

scattered in the filthy underbrush. I watched the White family pick them up, bit by bit, trying to gather

her back together, and my heart bled. This is my fault. I caused this.

I lied to Sheryl, telling her that Joyce's spirit was haunting her, hoping she'd seek redemption. But she

didn't, she felt no remorse for Joyce. Instead, she chose the vilest way to make her suffer even in

death.

Isn't this my fault? I overestimated human decency. Some people hurt others and feel no guilt, and they

rejoice in their cunning, relishing their victory. They live without conscience, even mocking the

weakness of those they've harmed. There's no real justice in this world, not unless I make it so. I have

to take responsibility for my mistake. I have to make amends."

Leopold wrapped his arms around her, "This isn't your fault. It's Sheryl's."

Aurelia buried her head in his chest, her tears soaking her cheeks and dampening his shirt.

"This is the stupidest thing I've ever done."

Saturday came, and the family meeting was held as scheduled.

Sheryl was smug because she had already rallied Jessica and the other daughters-in-law to her side.

They would help her deal with Jelena.

Fredric was grim-faced, knowing that without Aurelia and Leopold's support, he would be undoubtedly

defeated.

The Stirling family had an internal voting system, just log in and click to vote. Those away from Elysium

could join via video conference and vote remotely.

After the voting ended, the system tallied the votes automatically.

Aunt Harriet cautioned Fredric, "Remember the bond of marriage is sacred. You can't just throw away

your lawful wife Sheryl for some fling."

Aunt Dorothea chimed in, "These flings are just that fleeting. Don't take them to heart. The Stirling

family creed is clear. Through thick and thin, the lawful wife shall not be set aside. Remember how

Chad, on his deathbed, summoned you all to remind you to honor your wives? Have you all forgotten?"

Fredric replied, "When the love is gone, it's better to part ways than to live a lie."

Aunt Harriet retorted, "Passion fades in any long marriage, what remains is kinship and responsibility,

and that's what truly matters."