The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 62

"Being crushed under such a competitive business environment, who has time for vacations?"

Aurelia grumbled, her courage often bolstered in times of stress.

Leopold's gaze darkened, deep and inscrutable like an old well.

"Have you met Evelyn yet?"

The mere mention of her name was enough to set Aurelia off. "She hasn't even started her job yet and she's already grinding away. She went to the office yesterday and took some of the high-ranking designers out for French cuisine. She's started building her clique while I was away. Did you hire her based on Kelly's template? She seems to have the same style."

Her last sentence was a clear jab at him.

Leopold's expression stiffened, but he didn't lose his temper. Instead, he responded with a mocking smile, "You're already losing on the first day? That's your strength?"

"I haven't lost yet, the competition hasn't even begun! If it's a fair fight, I'm not worried. Even if she has more experience, I'm just as capable. But I fear she'll resort to dirty tricks - networking, nepotism, underhanded maneuvers, backstabbing!" Aurelia gritted her teeth, her eyes flashing with icy determination.

Leopold reached out and ruffled her hair, "Why worry about what might not happen? When I'm here, what do you have to fear?"

"Whatever!" Aurelia scoffed. "Everyone in the company knows she's your special connection. Unlike us who respectfully call you Mr. Leopold, she's always calling you Leo. It's like she wants everyone to know about your 'special' relationship."

She was getting worked up and unintentionally mentioned their 'special' relationship. Realizing her mistake, she quickly shut her mouth.

Leopold didn't miss a beat. He leaned in, one hand on the backrest and the other on the armrest, cornering her into the couch. A wicked smile tugged at his lips, "Special? Are you upset about that?"

"Of course not." She shook her head. "I'm worried you'll blur the lines between professional and personal, letting emotions cloud your judgment."

Leopold cupped her chin, his gaze locked on her, flickering in the dim light, "You sound like you're jealous."

Aurelia jumped at his words, as if they had startled her.