NovelEnglishLeopold said with a weighted emphasis on the word, "If | really cared that much, | wouldn't have let William stick around Elysium,
parading under my nose every day. According to traditions of the Stirling family, bastards are usually sent abroad to live, only
allowed to chduring the holidays and school breaks."
Aurelia felt a cloud of gloom descending upon her. There used to be a semblance of pretense, but now, not even that remained.
Leopold was never known for his sunny disposition. He must have been keeping his temper in check just to get her to cback.
He didn't like William, and the feeling was mutual. Wouldn't this father-son rift just keep widening?
If things got out of hand and they did acknowledge each other, his feelings for William wouldn't exactly be warm. William was
doomed to repeat his destiny, becoming the child shunned by his father.
The thought alone was enough to cast a shadow over her spirits.
"If you find William an eyesore, then I'll just take him back to Blossom Villa," she offered reluctantly.
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"That won't be necessary," Leopold shrugged. "I promised I'd accept him, and | don't go back on my word."
"But you don't like him," Aurelia pouted, clearly dissatisfied with his attitude. Her William was a charmer, a kid so delightful that
people flocked to him like bees to honey, a real heartbreaker. Nobody could resist liking him.
Leopold snorted, "Why should | be fond of someone else's son?"
"It takes a village to raise a child and respect for elders starts at home. That's part of the Stirling family ethos. As the lead, you
should look out for the younger generation," Aurelia reminded him.
"Am | not looking out for him?" Leopold narrowed his eyes, his deep and icy gaze revealing a depth that was unfathomable.
"The mind of a child is pure, so their instincts are sharp. William can sense you don't like him, that's why he doesn't warm up to
you. If you showed him affection, he'd return it," she said, holding on to hope.
"I've said it before, | don't need his affection," Leopold's voice cut through the air, cold as a winter blast.
"One day you'll regret this chilly demeanor," Aurelia murmured so low it was almost to herself, but Leopold, standing close, caught
it nonetheless.
"Why would | regret it?" he challenged.
Aurelia scrambled for an explanation, "William is Kane's brother. When he grows up, he's bound to be Kane's right-hand man. Your
coldness towards William will affect their brotherly bond."
Leopold reached out and gently touched her slightly bulging belly. "Aren't there two more on the way? The right-hand man is
already in the making."
Lost for words, Aurelia could feel an onslaught of outrage coursing through her. It dawned on her that his stance on William had
shifted entirely, now that she was carrying other children.
"If I had known this was the kind of man you are, | never would have gotten back with you, let alone have more kids," she blurted
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmout in frustration.
"Too late," Leopold said, pinning her chin with his fingers, a mocking smile on his face. Actually, he was purposely provoking her.
Without a little pressure, she wouldn't be honest.
Aurelia felt like crying.
Leopold was just like the rest, taking things for granted once he got what he wanted.
Who knew how he would neglect her in the future?
He was a sly old fox, cunning and deceitful to the core. She had been completely duped by him. If she lost her looks and shape
after the baby, would he even bear to look at her? He would probably want to kick her out to the farthest reaches of the galaxy.
She was a fool to have gotten pregnant again.
"Jerk, get away from me."
With unexpected strength, she shoved him hard, startling Leopold, who was immediately concerned she might have hurt herself.
He quickly wrapped his arms around her to make sure she was safe.
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