The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 22

Once her shift was over, Aurelia bolted out of the office, ready to get a bite to eat in the staff cafeteria downstairs. Lately, she felt hungry all the time, probably a side effect of her pregnancy.

When she arrived at the front desk, she caught sight of the last person she wanted to see - Elowen.

Elowen was there to see Leopold, but his secretary had kept her outside. She needed to vent her frustration, and Aurelia was her target.

Elowen had expected Leopold to fire Aurelia. But instead, he had promoted her!

Aurelia's only option was to avoid Elowen at all costs. Elowen was not about to let her off so easily though. She rushed over and blocked Aurelia's path, "You, come with me."

The receptionist gave them a curious look. Aurelia was incredibly frustrated. She had just managed to dispel the office gossip that morning, and she couldn't afford to stir up more trouble.

They ended up in the rooftop garden.

Elowen snorted, "I hope you know your place. Remember where you came from."

Aurelia struggled to keep her composure. She smiled and spoke in a calm and respectful tone, "Ms. Elowen, just because others can't do something doesn't mean you can."

Elowen was taken aback, her eyes narrowing at Aurelia, "I called you here to remind you. It's a good thing you got rid of the baby. Otherwise, you would have been forcibly sent out of the country, dying alone in a foreign land."

Aurelia was startled, "What do you mean?"

Elowen smirked, "In the Stirling family, any mistress who gets pregnant will be sent abroad. After she gives birth, the Stirlings take the baby and leave the mother behind. She can only return once the child turns 18. But by then, she's old and worn-out. Many don't even live to see that day."

Aurelia wasn't sure whether Elowen was telling the truth, but she felt a ripple of unease. Leopold hadn't told her about any of this. Had he deliberately kept her in the dark to prevent her from defying him once she knew the truth?

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves and prevent herself from revealing anything. "Ms. Elowen." Aurelia began, "The child is gone. I just want to live a quiet life like before. Can we move on from now? I'm sure Mr. Leopold doesn't want to bring it up again either."

Elowen's gaze was dark as it swept over Aurelia's still flat belly, "If you dare to deceive me and secretly keep the baby, prepare to be sent out of the country."

With that, she turned and left.

Aurelia felt her heart shrink, all her appetite gone. When she reached the cafeteria, she ordered the cheapest staff meal as usual.