The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold) novel Chapter 885

"I'm his ex," Emma sneered, her voice dripping with derision, "Popped out two kids for him, and after the split, he couldn't even cough up child support."

Ritchie was a man who prided himself on keeping up appearances, the kind who liked to put on airs. Emma’s cutting words set his blood boiling.

"Shut your trap, Emma," he spat back, his temper flaring, "You're such a useless woman eggs. Couldn't even give me a son. Marrying you was my life's biggest jinx."

Aurelia's voice was icy as she intervened, "Ritchie, Emma nearly died giving birth to your children, and you have the nerve to speak to her like that? She’s an Ivy League graduate who lowered herself to marry you who barely finished middle school."

Ritchie, driven to the edge, shot back, "Aurelia, weren’t you and Emma arch-enemies once? I see you're pretty magnanimous with others, letting bygones be bygones. Why can't you let go of my past mistakes?"

Aurelia scoffed, "If I were really holding grudges, I wouldn't have paid off your mortgage, would I? I could’ve left you out in the cold."

A muscle twitched in Ritchie's face, "I'm your big brother, for god's sake. I'm getting married again. Shouldn't you be offering your blessings, maybe a fat check or a grand gift?"

"Indeed." Lilith bobbed her head eagerly, "It's my first time visiting the Hawthorne family. Shouldn't I get a welcoming gift?"

Aurelia glanced at Perla, "Aunt Perla, this is your family's issue, not mine. You handle it."

Perla was seething. The mere thought of handing out a welcoming gift made her blood boil, "Let me tell you something," she hissed at Lilith, "You only earn your place in this family by bearing a son. Fail that, and you might as well sign the divorce papers."

Lilith pouted. She could see she was dealing with a tough old bird, but she wasn't one to be trifled with either. She'd show her who was boss.

"If you don't accept me as your daughter-in-law, then I have no duties toward you. We’d best keep to ourselves, out of each other's hair."

Perla glared at her with venomous eyes, "Fine by me. But don’t expect a single cent from me."

Lilith looped her arm through Ritchie's, "I'm starving. Aren't we here for dinner?"

Aurelia instructed the maid to set places for them and ushered them into the dining room.