The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold) novel Chapter 1285

The following day, Aurelia took William to visit Arnold and brought Nova back home.

Nova's eyes lit up with joy when she saw her parents. "Mommy, Daddy," she exclaimed, bouncing with excitement.

Lisa took Nova from Aurelia's arms and kissed her chubby little cheek. "Did you miss Mommy?" she asked.

Nova wrapped her arms around Lisa's neck, rubbing her soft, plump cheek against Lisa's face. "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy." she chanted.

The sweet, babyish lilt of her voice nearly melted Lisa's heart. She missed Nova too, every single day, but she knew Aurelia took great care of Nova.

Arnold's year had been a dull one. Back in Goldstone, even though they didn't officially celebrate the Christmas, they'd still head to the town to join in the festivities, then come home to make some delicious food. Those were warm, happy times as a family of three.

But now, the large house felt empty with just him in it. Although he had Lisa and Nova, it wasn't the family he longed for.

"Daddy." William climbed up next to him and hugged him. "Daddy. I missed you so, so much."

"I missed you too, honey," Arnold said, planting a kiss on William's rosy cheek.

William was unsure whether to tell Arnold about Leopold's discovery of his true identity as Liam. He knew that even if he didn't say anything now, Arnold would find out soon enough.

Aurelia noticed William's hesitation and gently stroked his hair, then turned to Lisa and said, "Lisa, let's take Nova out to the backyard for some sunshine, shall we?" She wanted to give Arnold and William some time alone to talk things through.

"That sounds lovely," Lisa agreed, carrying Nova along as they stepped outside.

William sat on the edge of the bed, peeling an orange slowly, "Daddy, don't you get lonely celebrating Christmas all by yourself?"

"It is quite lonely without you. Even eating doesn't feel the same," Arnold sighed, acutely aware that things with Aurelia could never go back to the way they were.

"The good news is that I had a lot of fun at Mossy Rock Retreat. The Stirling family really knows how to throw a bash, so many relatives gathering together," William reported.

"And the bad news?" Arnold asked, feigning nonchalance.

William popped a segment of the orange into his mouth before whispering, "Uncle Leopold is a crafty old fox. I fell for one of his tricks, and he found out about who I really am."

His voice was low, but Arnold heard every word, his shoulders tensing slightly. He had been prepared for this moment, and he knew the truth couldn't stay hidden forever. And he was aware that William must have guessed the truth about being Liam, and after all, he and Kane looked identical, and it was impossible not to make the connection.

The only surprise was that Leopold hadn't come storming over in a rage to confront him.

"How did Leopold react?"