The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 1261

Leopold grunted as his bite proved sharper than anticipated.

"It's just a strand of hair, why the big fuss?"

William realized he'd overreacted and reluctantly let go, "Because you're picking on me, and I'm gonna tell Mom." His wails crescendoed, masking his guilt. After all, kids could throw tantrums over anything.

Leopold handed him a tissue, "Chin up, kid. It's just hair. Why the waterworks?"

"You did it on purpose. You don't like me, see me as excess baggage. If Mom wasn't here, you'd have booted me out of the Stirling family by now." William sniffed, tears streaming down his face.

Leopold was speechless. Had William always thought this way?

He lifted William and settled him back on the couch.

"William, I've never seen you as a burden. I wish we could get along better. I wish you were my son, my Liam," he said earnestly.

William sniffed and stared wide-eyed.

"Why would you want me to be your son?"

"Because you remind me so much of Liam," Leopold explained, "I've no clue what he'd look like all grown up, but I reckon he'd be a lot like you. Kane's the spitting image of me, and Liam would've taken after Aurelia. You're just like her."

William blinked.

"You still hung up on Liam?"

"Yep, always on my mind. He's my boy, and how could I not? Every time I see you, I think of him. Weird, huh?"

William shrugged, "Too bad for you, I'm William, not your Liam."

Leopold gave him a wistful look, "Then why the panic over a hair? Scared I'll run a paternity test?"