The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold) novel Chapter 995

Fredric leaned in with a touch of concern in his voice, "Raines, what the heck has gotten into you, man? You've been looking rough."

Raines waved the concern away with a casual flick of his wrist. "It's nothing. I'm on the mend now." He wasn't in the mood to delve deeper into the subject.

Aurelia exchanged a knowing glance with Leopold aside from her.

Either the guy was sick, or he was using it as an excuse to cover something else up. After all, a man doesn't just change his build overnight. Raines had always been built like a linebacker.

Seeing that his brother was clamming up, Fredric didn't push further. Everyone's got their secrets, after all.

Just then, Paz piped up, "Mr. Raines, how's Mrs. Elfreda holding up?"

Raines let out a weary sigh, replying, "Mom's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's a while back. We've been managing with medication, but it's hit or miss. Some days she doesn't even recognize me or Lisbeth."

A look of sorrow passed over Paz. "Poor Mrs. Elfreda," she said. "Back in her younger days, she'd been jilted and left with a broken heart, sinking into depression. Just when Mr. Raines was coming into his own, ready to enjoy the good life, she gets hit with Alzheimer's."

But in a bittersweet way, maybe it was a mercy that Elfreda could forget all those painful memories.

Fredric chimed in, "Out of all dad's ladies, my mom was the wild card. Had me, then left me with Chad to marry some other dude."

Aurelia mused, "Man or woman, we should all be a bit more carefree, not make life so tough on ourselves."

Fredric chuckled, "You're one to talk, totally unfazed by your divorce, living life in full color. You're doing way better than Megan. I heard she cracked and got sent to the loony bin."

"She got what she deserved," Beverley cut in. "You can't force what's not meant to be yours. Go against the grain, and you're bound to get your comeuppance."

Aurelia thought the same could be said about Geoffrey. The Stirling family heir would never be him, no matter how many tricks he pulled.

After the pie was done, the servants brought out dinner.