NovelEnglishAurelia faintly overheard their conversation from upstairs.
Chad truly was as vivid as a coxcomb and seemed destined to be a charmer even in the afterlife. Passing away when he was making love would likely become a running joke in his family for generations to come.
Then, Sheryl said, “The Midsummer ancestral ceremony is coming up soon. If Leopold isn’t around, who's going to lead the remembrance ceremony? Can Kane do it?” Jessica took a sip of her coffee and slowly said, “Fredric is the eldest son, and over the years, I've come to regard him as my own son. Let Fredric preside over the ceremony this time.” “Me?” Fredric jolted, “Mom, you know I've always been a free spirit, not one for responsibilities. Why don’t you take over?” Jessica responded, “You know the Stirling family tradition. The remembrance ceremony must be led by a male.
As the saying goes, united we stand, divided we fall. You're the eldest, and in Leopold's absence, you need to step up and help manage the family affairs.” Fredric scratched his head, “Alright, I'll do my best.” Sheryl could hardly conceal her delight.
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Jessica's choice of Fredric to lead the remembrance ceremony was quite telling.
Out of Chad's three sons from various extramarital affairs, Fredric was the closest to Jessica, and she had raised him since he was a child.
His mother was a wise woman. Upon learning that Chad was married, she immediately left the country. After giving birth to Fredric, she married a foreigner and never returned to Elysium.
If something happened to Leopold, according to Stirling tradition, the heir's role would fall to Kane, but he was still too young to manage the family's affairs, so a regent from among the uncles would be necessary.
The ideal candidate in Jessica's heart was definitely Fredric.
Afterward, Jessica retired to her room to rest.
Sheryl invited Aurelia to join her for afternoon tea in the garden.
“Haven't you visited Leopold in the hospital recently?” Aurelia replied, “If the Stirling family can’t see him, what chance do I, an outsider, have? | suspect he’s not in good spirits, hence not wanting to see anyone.” Sheryl became even more convinced of her own thoughts - Leopold's condition was probably no better than it was six years ago, and it must be critical.
“I heard that you and Arnold were on the cruise when Leopold had his accident. Was it truly Megan's doing?” “Not directly, but she hired a hitman,” Aurelia whispered, “Leopold was divorcing her to marry Lana, so she was driven to desperate measures.” Sheryl clicked her tongue, “That's ruthless. She dares to poison Leopold before their child is even born. Does she have a death wish?” Aurelia sneered, “She loses all reason when she is desperate.” Sheryl took a sip of her tea and lowered her voice, “To be honest, I'm quite worried about Leopold. Six years ago, when he was attacked abroad, Jessica sealed off all information, claiming he was fine, but it was serious. He nearly lost his life. | hope this time it’s truly nothing serious.” As she spoke, she watched Aurelia's expression closely. After all, Aurelia had been there at the time and couldn't possibly be ignorant of the facts.
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If something were to happen to Leopold, she and Fredric needed to be prepared.
Aurelia, once a lover of Arnold's who bore him a son, would undoubtedly side with Arnold.
Aurelia would certainly prefer Arnold to take the position.
Even though she was no longer a Stirling, she was Kane's biological mother and could influence Jessica's decision.
Aurelia brushed her hair behind her ear, feigning surprise, “It shouldn't be that serious. The doctors pumped his stomach in time, saying there was no threat to his life, only that he hasn't regained consciousness yet.” Hearing this, Sheryl was even more convinced of the dire nature of Leopold's condition.
“The real fear is that he's alive but never wakes up, becoming a vegetable.”
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