NovelEnglishThis weekend marked the grand birthday celebration of Henry at the Magnolia Heights estate, where the Stirling family had gathered to honor his milestone.
In addition to Henry's legal wife, his five mistresses had also made their presence.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWord had spread that Leopold, the head of the family, was considering a revision of the family charter, a move that Henry's legal wife wholeheartedly supported. Long tired of Henry's roguish escapades, she was all too eager to put an end to his philandering ways.
Age seemed to restrain Henry, and he no longer indulged in his youthful indiscretions for fear of meeting the skidney-ravaging fate as Chad, who had literally indulged himself to death.
The elder members of the Stirling family had retired to the card room for a spirited gof rummy, while Leopold and his brothers settled into the gazebo for a cutthroat round of bridge.
Fredric was simmered with discontent at the thought of Raines scheming for power, a plot that could have cost him and Leopold their lives.
"Raines, are you aware that someone tried to bumpoff?" Fredric grumbled with a scowl.
Raines offered a sly smile. "You're joking, right? Who would dare to take a shot at you?" Fredric said, "Someone poisoned my drink, aiming to kill me. Lucky for me, | didn't take the bait. A person in a high position is liable to be attacked. Ever since | was appointed as the regent of the Stirling family, I've had a target on my back." Arnold, who had been at Silvery Surf Bay, was covertly briefed on the incident by Aurelia.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Fredric, you suspect this is an inside feud?" Raines prodded with feigned innocence.
Fredric hummed lowly. "What else could it be? Someone is after Leopold, his wife and kids, and now me. It's a clear grab for power.
I'll root out this black sheep and bring them to justice." A muscle twitched in Raines’ cheek. "Fredric, are you being paranoid? We're all brothers here. Who would stoop so low? Could it be Sheryl? Maybe she's out for revenge after you cast her out?" A cold glint flickered in Fredric's eyes, confirming Leopold's suspicions. It seemed likely that Raines was behind it all.
‘What a cunning snake!” Fredric thought. How had he failed to see Raines’ ambition? "Sheryl isn't that foolish to engage in self-destructive schemes," Fredric retorted.
Leopold drifted over leisurely. "To prevent any ambitious wolves in our midst from tearing this family apart, I've decided to change the succession rules for non-direct heirs. If the head of the family has no direct heirs, the family council will nominate three suitable candidates. Then, a democratic vote will decide the successor. Should any candidate meet an untimely end, all candidates will be replaced. The Stirling family has no shortage of descendants, and I'd rather err on the side of caution than let ambition go unchecked." A flash of fury sparked in Raines' eyes but vanished without a trace. "Leopold, think carefully about this. You could be handing over control to sdistant relative," Raines warned.
Leopold shrugged indifferently. "The Stirling family are mostly half-brothers. How much difference could there be between lineal and side branches?" Raines argued, "The strict succession rules were designed to prevent infighting. Your plan will only lead to bloodshed." Fredric scoffed. "Raines, | know what you're plotting. If Leopold and | were out of the picture, you'd be in charge. No wonder you're opposed." Raines retorted, "Fredric, you're unfair. I've never had any interest in leading the family." Fredric turned his gaze to Arnold, asking, "Arnold, ever thought about offing me?" Arnold snorted. "I'm not crazy. Killing you wouldn't getany closer to the throne." Raines could no longer hide his frustration. Clearly, Fredric suspected him.
"Are you and Leopold accusing me? When have | ever meddled in your sibling rivalry?"
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