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

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.

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."