NovelEnglishFredric pled with a quiver in his voice, "I'm begging you this one time, grantthis bit of freedom. | rushed into marriage without thinking it through, and I'm willing to give up half of my assets for the kids. They won't suffer, | promise." Tears streamed down Sheryl's cheeks as she sobbed, "All these years I've been by your side, raising our children, never stepping a foot wrong. Even when you were out partying until dawn, | turned a blind eye. What more do you want from me? If a change of heart means divorce, what's the point of the Stirling family values? Who would feel secure marrying into the Stirling family?" Aunt Ethel spoke with authority, "We've discussed this beforehand and we won't approve the divorce. You're not young anymore, Fredric. It's tto settle down. Keep your mistresses if you must, but Sheryl stays your legal wife." Fredric’s aunts were unyielding in their stance. And his uncles remained silent beside them, well aware that to maintain their positions of power, they couldn't afford to let their hlives erupt into chaos.
Jessica said sternly, "Fredric, as the eldest, you should be setting an example for your younger brothers." Aurelia, as the matriarch, chaired the meeting but kept her own counsel, remarking only, "If everyone's had their say, let's proceed to a vote." Those present, as well as those tuned in via video call, reached for their tablets.
The voting was swift, and soon it was tto tally the results.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBy the looks of it, Sheryl seemed to hold the winning hand, but to everyone's surprise, the votes in favor of the divorce outnumbered those against.
Whispers fluttered among all members.
Sheryl's face turned ashen, a thunderstruck expression overtaking her, while Fredric was euphoric, having lobbied many of his uncles to support him.
But it was clear that the motion could only have passed with Aurelia and possibly Leopold siding with him. Otherwise, even with the uncles' votes, Fredric was doomed.
Sheryl's eyes desperately sought out Leopold, her last hope. He had the power to veto the decision.
"Leopold, please, help me," she pleaded through tears.
But Leopold remained silent, his expression indifferent.
Jessica sensed something was amiss.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSheryl clenched her jaw, her eyes betraying her anger.
In the room, only Aurelia had the influence to sway Leopold's decision.
Given the vote count, it was evident Aurelia had voted in favor, betraying her word and stabbing Sheryl in the back.
Unable to contain herself, Sheryl leaped from her chair, pointing accusingly at Aurelia, "You voted yes, didn't you? You even swayed Leopold. You promised to stand by me, and now you've turned your back. Were you deceivingall along, plotting with your cousin Jelena to usurp my place? You and that bitch are scheming in the shadows against me. How cunning of you, lacking in both morality and clarity, stooping to any level for your selfish desires. What right do you have to be the matriarch of the Stirling family?" Aunt Ethel frowned, disapproval etched on her face, "Aurelia, you're in the wrong. Not only are you a Stirling by marriage, but you're also the matriarch in the family. You must uphold our traditions and teachings. You've been wronged by Megan before, and you should know how despicable that feels. And now, because the mistress is your cousin, you support her? Where are your principles?" Aunt Harriet nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Aurelia, you've really crossed a line here. We're very disappointed in you." Jessica furrowed her brow, looking directly at Aurelia, "Aurelia, what were you thinking?" Aurelia remained calm and collected.
"My decision has nothing to do with Jelena," she stated coolly, "I did it for Joyce." Her words sent shockwaves through the room.
At the mention of Joyce, a ntoo familiar to every member of the Stirling family, Sheryl's heart twisted painfully.
Everyone exchanged knowing looks.
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