The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold) novel Chapter 1200

Aurelia pulled a face, "You're his... uncle, right? It's no big deal if the nephew takes after the uncle, isn't it?"

Leopold leaned in suddenly, his handsome face inches from hers, "Is he my nephew?"

His eyes were sharp like an eagle's, as if ready to pierce through her gaze and unveil the secrets hiding in the depths of her soul.

Instinctively, Aurelia lowered her eyes, her thick lashes veiling the flicker of unease, "What do you mean? If he's not your nephew, whose is he?"

Leopold's fingers captured her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, "You've been saying William is Liam reincarnated and kept telling me to treat him better. Are you hinting at something?" His tone was a whispering evening breeze, yet it stirred a storm within Aurelia's heart.

"Hinting?" She laughed, a bit too forcefully, "Honey, I think you've been watching too many soap operas with me. It's got your imagination running wild."

Leopold ruffled her hair with a broad hand, "Maybe that's it. Once my mind starts wandering, it's hard to rein it back in and it just keeps expanding."

Aurelia inwardly panicked.

She needed to plug that hole in his imagination, and fast.

She leaned back in her chair, drifting her gaze to the yard, "I've always treated William as if he were Liam, so I wouldn't feel the pain of losing him. I want you to do the same and not wallow in sorrow."

"I can't see William as Liam, not unless he is Liam," Leopold said, his voice decisive.

Liam was his son, not Arnold's.

Aurelia sighed, "Do you dislike William because he always seems to butt heads with you?"

Aurelia was at a loss for words. "No wonder William doesn't like you. He must sense your dislike, which is why he keeps his distance."

Leopold replied, "He doesn't need to get close to me. I don't expect it. He just needs to show some respect. I'm his family and the head of the Stirling family. He must acknowledge that."

Aurelia was on the verge of tears, "He is still my son. You don't have to be so cold, do you?"

"He's your son with Arnold, not mine," Leopold said indifferently, his voice as cold as the clash of icicles, devoid of warmth.

Aurelia was at her wit's end. She had thought Leopold was generous, not minding her past with Arnold, but now his true colors shone through.

"If my history with Arnold bothers you, just say it. No need to beat around the bush." Aurelia said icily.