The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold) novel Chapter 849

Aurelia scooped up Nova with a gentle smile. "She's not familiar with you yet. That's all. Spend more time with her. And she'll be your baby girl in no time. Daughters are always their father's sweethearts."

Arnold wasn't so sure. To him, William was his real buddy.

Meanwhile, Lisa was engrossed in a darts game with other girls. She was into it.

Arnold watched her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Lisa's just having fun, not even paying attention to her child."

"Nova's with me because I wanted to look after her," Aurelia said, kissing the child's chubby little foot. "She's so adorable. I couldn't resist."

Arnold hoped it was a case of 'love me, love my dog.' By liking him, she'd come to like Nova, too.

"This little one likes you a lot," he admitted. "She doesn't let anyone else hold her, just you."

Aurelia laughed, her gaze briefly touching Lisa. "If you forget the past and take another look at Lisa, you'll see she's nice. Lisa loves you, but she's not clingy like a desperate housewife. She gives you your space. Look at Megan, sticking with Leopold, as if she's afraid he'll fly away."

Arnold fell silent.

That was part of the reason he was willing to wait a bit longer before considering a divorce.

Beverley won the Knitting Contest at last, earning the title of the Stirling family's 'Knitting Queen' of the Year and the prize of a luxury yacht.

Nina came in third place. Mira received a consolation prize.

As the night deepened, everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

Leopold ruffled her hair affectionately. "We’ll pick our future son-in-law carefully."

Aurelia blinked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "I thought the Stirling family's infamous charming genes were passed only to the boys. It turns out the girls get them, too. Beverley's already had twenty-five boyfriends."

Leopold laughed it off. "Her nickname's 'Flirting Princess,' changing boyfriends like she's flipping through a magazine, but it's all platonic. It's not bad for a girl to have her share of admirers. It’s better than being hopelessly lovesick."

Aurelia pouted. "Well, that's true. Lovesick fools always end up in a tragedy. I'm not going to be one of them."

Leopold caught her chin gently. "You could be lovesick for me. I promise it’ll be a good ending."

"Forget it," she joked. "My brain's stopped producing dopamine. I'm as cool as a cucumber."