The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold) novel Chapter 862

Aurelia burst into laughter, replying, "Talent comes and goes, there's always someone new on the horizon," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

Elvis let out a sigh. To him, Aurelia was irreplaceable, a unique gem amongst pebbles.

But he knew that unless the Stirling family stepped aside, she would never choose him.

"It's rare to find people who think for themselves these days," he lamented. "Too many are just looking for a quick shortcut, copying what's already been done. A lot of students are trying to imitate you, but they just can't capture the essence."

Aurelia felt the same way. The market was flooded with knockoffs of her A&L brand, and other companies were always quick to jump on the bandwagon.

Every time she released a new design, a slew of similar ones would follow hot on its heels.

But her designs all had a unique watermark that made them counterfeit-proof.

"I've always admired Ethereal Gems for not following the crowd," Elvis said, raising his glass in a quiet toast.

That was one reason Ethereal Gems was second only to Astral Enterprises, always securing the runner-up spot in sales.

Elvis took a sip of his champagne and lowered his voice. "How's Mr. Leopold doing these days?"

Aurelia shrugged nonchalantly. "He's still recuperating in the hospital. I don't know the details, I'm no longer with the Stirlings, so it's not my place to pry into their affairs."

Elvis found her words strangely comforting. He wished she would cut ties with the Stirlings completely, then maybe her attention would turn to him.

But he knew that was impossible. She had two kids to consider, and that's why she moved into the Stirling Mansion after Leopold's incident, to protect her son.

"If you need any help, you know where to find me," he offered.

"Thanks," she replied with her cool demeanor never wavering.

From a distance, a pair of eyes watched them closely.

Leopold's brows were knotted in frustration. Elvis who came back from overseas had already cozied up to his wife. Was he still holding on to hope, waiting for a chance to steal her away?

With a clenched jaw, the “bodyguard” Leopold approached them. "Director Aurelia, the press conference is about to start."

Despite her flawless public mask, Aurelia could sense the tension in Leopold's furrowed brows.

Leopold felt as if he'd swallowed a bone stuck in his throat and he seemed to be tortured in the hell.

Because of her, he was now plagued with insecurity, constantly fearing that if he let go, even for a moment, she might slip away.

"You've known about my temper from day one. If you anger me, you'll pay for it tonight," he threatened, with his voice carrying a chilly menace.

"You... don't forget, we're supposed to be platonic right now," she reminded him with a shiver.

He snorted. "I can cancel a platonic relationship the moment I get angry."

Only in the privacy of their bedroom could he properly 'educate' this defiant woman, making sure she remembered who her man truly was.

Aurelia felt like she was in the midst of a storm, fully aware that logic held no sway over the formidable man beside her.

Just then, two familiar figures appeared, and her face lit up. Dropping Leopold like a hot potato, she ran over to them.

"Fredric, Arnold, how do you do?"