The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 1027

Aurelia choked on her words, quickly waving her hand in dismissal.

"Look, that's not what I meant," she said with a raised eyebrow. "You're drop-dead gorgeous, and your figure is to die for. How could I ever compete with you? Your charm outshines mine by a thousand, maybe even a million times, so the jerk Fredric isn't worthy of you. If you were up for it, you could have your pick of eligible bachelors lined up. You deserve the cream of the crop, not the bottom of the barrel, you know? Beauty and youth don't last forever. You need to snag the best husband while you're in your prime. If you got stuck with a jerk, you would have nothing once your looks faded."

Jelena flicked a stray hair behind her ear, her voice calm and steady. "This is a perfect chance to test Fredric, to see if his feelings for me are genuine. Isn't that a good thing? It proves his love is real if he was willing to leave the Stirling family for me."

Aurelia sighed, her conviction strong. It was an impossible dream. When it came down to family ties or a fling, all men would choose the former without a second thought.

She'd never dare to hope Leopold would choose her over his family. She was sure he would never pick her over his family's interests beyond a shadow of a doubt.

But a woman head over heels in love often refuses to see the writing on the wall.

It might be good for Jelena to see Fredric's true colors.

Their conversation was interrupted by the doorbell. Fredric had arrived.

Upon seeing Aurelia, he offered a casual smile. "Hey, Aurelia. Good to see you here."

"Just came to catch up with Jelena," Aurelia replied.

Fredric had planned to talk to Aurelia, who had unexpectedly sided with Sheryl, leaving him utterly perplexed.

Jelena's demeanor was icy. "Fredric, let's keep our distance until things between you and Sheryl are over officially. I don't need rumors or backbiting. I've never been the other woman in you two's drama. Why would I waste my time on a married man when I have my pick of the singles?"