The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 1264

"You've never really forgiven me, have you?"

"No." Aurelia's response was as swift as it was blunt, "You don't deserve to be Liam's father. To him, you are an incompetent parent. Even if he were still with us, even if someone had saved him, you wouldn't be his dad anymore, and the man who saved his life is his dad. The gratitude owed for nurturing a child far outweighs that of giving life. And you, you didn't even do that. You're nothing more than a donor, a mere artificial intervention."

Leopold's shoulders twitched as if he'd been struck by an invisible blow.

He had always known, deep down, that neither Aurelia nor Liam had truly forgiven him.

An icy silence descended upon the tea room.

Realizing her words might have cut too deep, Aurelia softened her tone, "This is William's first Christmas in Elysium, and I want it to be a happy one for him. Children have their own minds. As parents, we should respect their thoughts and wishes, not force them to conform. That'll only push them further away."

With that, she walked out.

Leopold stayed seated in the tea room for a long time before he made his way to William's room.

William lay sprawled on the couch and was upset

At the sight of Leopold, his cheeks puffed out in defiance.

"Uncle Leopold, you are a big meanie, and I hate you."

Leopold reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, sealed bag containing strands of hair.

"I'm giving this back to you."

William's eyes lit up, and he scrambled off the couch, snatching the bag.

"Is this really my hair?" he questioned, half wondering if it was a switcheroo.

Leopold ruffled William's hair and said, "I never lie to kids."

A weight seemed to lift from William's shoulders.