The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 35

Pulling out her phone, she shot a WhatsApp message to Arnold: [Arno, free tonight? Fancy grabbing a bite?]

Almost instantly, he replied, [Why not come over to my place? I'll whip up something special for you. Plus, you can catch up with Amy.]

[Sounds good.]

After work, Arnold picked her up in his car, and they headed to his villa by Moonlight Lake.

As they entered the yard, a small rabbit was playfully hopping about the grass. It had three natural legs and one mechanical one.

"Amy!" Aurelia crouched down and patted it on the head.

The rabbit didn't shy away but nudged its little head against her palm.

Arnold chuckled, "Seems like she still remembers you."

Aurelia picked Amy up and carried her into the living room, playing with her while Arnold got to work in the kitchen.

He made black pepper steak, cheesy lobster thermidor, spaghetti bolognese, and a chicken and morel mushroom soup.

Aurelia cut a piece of steak and popped it into her mouth.

Good heavens, it was mouth-wateringly delicious!

"Your culinary skills are Michelin-star worthy, Arno," she said, her voice full of admiration.

Arnold simply smiled at her, his eyes filled with affection. "I'm glad you like it."

Feeling a bit embarrassed, she said, "I was supposed to treat you, but you've ended up treating me. I feel a bit guilty."

She needed his help, after all.

Arnold served her a bowl of soup, "Don't be so formal. Aren't we friends?"

"Of course, we are," Aurelia quickly reassured him.

She was touched that he considered her a friend.

He was so different from Leopold. Arnold was gentle and approachable, completely devoid of any aloofness. Leopold, on the other hand, was cold as ice. Even his gaze was disdainful.

"Friendship is a two-way street, you know. There's this thing about give and take."

Arnold stroked his chin, a charming smile on his lips, "If you insist on being fair, why not come over and dine with me when you're free? It gets rather boring eating alone."

Aurelia giggled, thinking he was joking.

Why would he lack company?

The queue of women wanting to dine with him would probably stretch to the moon.

"You can hit me up on WhatsApp anytime you're bored," she offered.

As for Leopold's warnings, she had tossed them out of the window long ago. She never planned on heeding them anyway.

After dinner, Arnold took her upstairs to show her the photographs he had taken.

Seizing the opportunity, Aurelia broached the subject she had in mind.

"Actually, Arno, there's something I need your help with. The Paris Jewelry Expo is coming up, and it's my first time participating as an official designer. I'm hoping to create a promotional video that'll turn heads. You're the best photographer I know. I was wondering if you could?"

"Sure."

Even before she could complete her sentence, Arnold readily agreed, leaving her slightly stunned.

Arnold gave her a reassuring smile and patted her head, "Aurelia, whenever you need help, don't hesitate to ask. I won't turn you down."

His voice was so gentle. It was as if it was dripping honey. Aurelia's heart fluttered, "Thank you!"

Back home, Aurelia was over the moon and in the mood for some art.

She turned on the music, set up her canvas, and picked up her paintbrush.

"The world's so big, yet I met you."

Humming to the tune, she painted with fervor, oblivious to the person who quietly walked into the room.

On the canvas, a field of lavender swayed in the wind, under a beautiful sunset sky.

A man and a woman stood amidst the lavender, gazing at the setting sun. The breeze ruffled the woman's long hair and billowed the man's trench coat.

A smile tugged at Leopold's lips, his mouth curving into an enchanting arc.

He had thought that after his harsh critique the previous day, she would be despondent for a while. But surprisingly, she had bounced back quickly, daydreaming again.

She really had admirable resilience and a never-say-die spirit.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear, "Who's in the painting?"