Leopold emerged from his room and settled down beside Aurelia, who promptly showed him a text message from Skyler.
"I'm just worried now that Geoffrey might be masquerading as a servant sneaking around the Stirling Mansion," she said tinged with concern. "We need to get security on this and make sure everyone coming in and out of the mansion is thoroughly checked, face and all."
Leopold nodded slightly, pulled out his phone, and dialed security to have them vet every servant in the mansion. He was confident in the mansion's security system though. Every staff member had to pass through voice recognition, facial recognition, iris scans, fingerprint checks, and enter a personal code. Slipping by unnoticed wasn't going to be easy.
Meanwhile, William made his way to the kitchen to check on the evening's menu. They were having guests over. It was imperative to be a gracious host.
When he returned, he approached Leopold with the earnestness of a seasoned gentleman.
"Uncle Leopold, thanks for looking out for me back at the Stirling Mansion," he started. "Now it's my turn to host you. I hope you'll enjoy your time here."
At the Stirling Mansion, William was a guest, but here, he was the young master, the prince of his domain.
Leopold was momentarily taken aback by William's grown-up demeanor. "The Stirling Mansion is your home, too," Leopold offered.
"No, it's not," William replied, shaking his head vigorously. "The Stirling Mansion is yours and Kane's home. This is my home. I forgot to tell you I chose to stay with Dad when he and Mommy split."
Aurelia choked on her words, surprised by the news.
Leopold furrowed his brows, "Why didn't you choose to stay with Mommy?"
With a shrug, William said, "Because Mommy remarried and left our house. I don't want to tag along and be the third wheel."
Leopold was speechless.
"You're not a third wheel," he reassured.
William crossed his arms and pouted, "You say that, but I know you see me as one. You don't like me. You're always suspecting I have some dark secret."
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