The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 1083

Leopold poured a cup of tea for Henry as he said. "Uncle Henry, we're living in the new century now. Family traditions need to evolve too. I haven't made drastic changes and just cleared out some feudal chaff, especially polygamy. Do you think those women will live in harmony? It'll be nothing but jealousy and backstabbing, turning the house into a smog of bitterness. You know exactly how Chad died. If only the rules had reined him in a bit, maybe he wouldn't have partied his kidneys into failure and himself into the grave."

A frown flickered across Henry.

"What man doesn't enjoy a little dalliance? Are you saying a few affairs on the side warrant family sanctions?" He retorted.

Leopold replied, "It's just about cutting off the family trust fund, that's all. Men can have their dalliances but have to pay for it themselves. Mistresses won't have the status of spouses anymore and can't scheme for a higher position. Illegitimate children will have to fall in line behind the legitimate sons and daughters. The new rules will take effect with the next generation. You don't have to worry about yourself. In this way, it's better for the family's stability, no concerns about a household war."

He knew what Henry was worried about. Henry was in his prime, surrounded by a harem, with more illegitimate children than Chad ever had.

Henry took a sip of his tea, asking, "Did your wife come up with this?"

Just as Leopold was about to answer, Jessica, sitting beside him, took over. "It was my idea, actually. I've wanted to change the family charter for a while now, but with Chad still around, it wasn't possible. Fredric's divorce was the last straw for me. The rules had to be changed."

As they conversed, Aurelia eavesdropped from the stairwell.

She understood that completely preventing infidelity was a fantasy. Directly punishing the men would only lead to a revolt. The only way was a softer approach, raising the cost of their escapades.

Henry fell silent. He knew all too well how Jessica felt about her husband's mistresses, especially Magnolia. She must be seething with resentment. Changing the charter to cut off the mistresses' hopes of ascension was the only way to quell her fury.

"It's not right to place daughters above sons. In addition to the Stirling family, our whole nation has valued male inheritance for thousands of years. Girls are better suited for domestic duties, not managing vast empires. How can they handle that?"

Leopold calmly responded, "Uncle Henry, the Stirling family isn't a one-man show. If a daughter's abilities are limited, there is a whole team to support her. Do you not know how much Chad contributed? He spent nine out of ten days away from the office, but the company still ran smoothly. The Stirling Group has a solid management system, and family members can keep each other in check. There's no need to worry about the person at the helm. Besides, there are plenty of powerful businesswomen out there. Are the daughters of the Stirling family can't match up?"

Henry lit a cigar, inhaled deeply, and exhaled a perfect smoke ring.

"I still have my reservations. Handing the family empire to a son seems more secure. Women can be easily swayed, especially when they're lovesick. If someone like Melissa spends all her time mooning over a man, ready to empty the family coffers for him, that's a disaster waiting to happen."

Leopold insisted, "Uncle Henry, the family charter already allows for daughters to take the helm. I merely adjusted the succession order, putting legitimate daughters ahead of illegitimate sons. If a daughter wants to inherit, she must remain unmarried. Doesn't that solve the 'lovesick' issue?"

Taking another slow drag of his cigar, Henry considered his response, "I'll discuss this with the other elders when I get back. Changing the family charter isn't easy, Leopold. You better be prepared for a fight."