The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 1124

"This is just too bizarre," Fredric muttered, rubbing his forehead in bewilderment. "Something big must have gone down with Raines. If someone is stirring the pot, we need to dig into it. We can't just sit around waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Leopold gave a slight nod in a solemn expression. "Let's track down the person masquerading as Sheryl first, or the cops will be on her trail before you know it."

Fredric let out a sigh, the weight of his words heavy in the air. "Before the divorce, Sheryl got under my skin so much, I couldn't wait to be rid of her. And now that it's done, it's oddly unsettling. It's like there is something missing."

"You're missing her nagging and the caring, that's all," Aurelia said with a light chuckle, a wry twist to her lips. "Despite what Sheryl did with the Joyce mess, she did love you and ran the household with all her heart. Besides, she took care of you down to the smallest detail and raised those kids to be sharp and upright. To you, to the kids, and to your family, she was flawless, the epitome of a loving wife and mother."

Fredric fell silent. After what felt like an eternity, he spoke softly, "After dinner, I'll go see her."

Later that evening, when the kids had returned, Aurelia called Nina into the study.

"Nina, there's something important I need to tell you. I've seen your mother. The woman who came to Silver Surf Beach looking for you wasn't her but an imposter."

"What?" Nina's voice trembled with shock. "That wasn't Mom?"

Aurelia nodded solemnly.

Nina burst into tears. "I knew it. Mom wouldn't do something so awful. I almost believed I had a bad mom."

Aurelia wrapped an arm around her shoulders and comforted her, "Your mom loves you, Nina. She would never hurt you. We need to find this imposter and bring her to justice, so she doesn't succeed in her schemes and your mom isn't wrongfully accused of murder."

Nina sniffled. "What can I do?"

"Think back carefully," Aurelia instructed. "Was there anything different about her compared to your mom?"