The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold) novel Chapter 1236

Raines fell silent, his voice low and heavy with concern, "Any news about Mom?"

Aurelia shook her head gently, "Nothing yet, we're still searching."

Worry etched itself deeper on Raines' face.

Seeing his distress, Aurelia comforted him, "Elfreda should be alright for now."

Cupping his face in his hands, Raines muttered, "It's all my fault. I should have protected her better."

Skyler lifted a hand and patted him on the shoulder, "Raines, don't beat yourself up. Leopold will find your mom. How about I give you a hypnosis session? Might jog your memory about Lisbeth."

Raines waved the offer away, "No thanks, I don't want any hypnosis, and I don't want to dig up the past."

Aurelia understood his reluctance, and it was natural not to want to revisit such harrowing memories.

"It's cool, Raines. If you change your mind and want to get those memories back, just give Skyler a shout."

They chatted for a bit before Fredric popped in, calling Raines and Skyler to join him for a game of bridge.

"Raines, stay in Elysium from now on. It's good to have the family together, look out for each other, you know?"

Raines' greatest concern at the moment was Elfreda. Only when he knew she was safe could he truly find peace.

After they left, Aurelia was about to head back inside when she bumped into Harriet and Beverley on the path.

"How are you holding up, Aunt Harriet?" Aurelia inquired.

Harriet could hardly be fine under the circumstances.

"Thanks for bailing me out today."

"It's what families do," Aurelia replied.

Beverley whispered, "Mom, did you have a hand in this? Dad mentioned the maid confessed, and it was you who put her up to it?"