The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 777

Aurelia faintly overheard their conversation from upstairs.

Chad truly was as vivid as a coxcomb and seemed destined to be a charmer even in the afterlife. Passing away when he was making love would likely become a running joke in his family for generations to come.

Then, Sheryl said, “The Midsummer ancestral ceremony is coming up soon. If Leopold isn’t around, who’s going to lead the remembrance ceremony? Can Kane do it?”

Jessica took a sip of her coffee and slowly said, “Fredric is the eldest son, and over the years, I’ve come to regard him as my own son. Let Fredric preside over the ceremony this time.”

“Me?” Fredric jolted, “Mom, you know I’ve always been a free spirit, not one for responsibilities. Why don’t you take over?”

Jessica responded, “You know the Stirling family tradition. The remembrance ceremony must be led by a male. As the saying goes, united we stand, divided we fall. You're the eldest, and in Leopold’s absence, you need to step up and help manage the family affairs.”

Fredric scratched his head, “Alright, I’ll do my best.”

Sheryl could hardly conceal her delight.

Jessica's choice of Fredric to lead the remembrance ceremony was quite telling.

Out of Chad's three sons from various extramarital affairs, Fredric was the closest to Jessica, and she had raised him since he was a child.

His mother was a wise woman. Upon learning that Chad was married, she immediately left the country. After giving birth to Fredric, she married a foreigner and never returned to Elysium.

If something happened to Leopold, according to Stirling tradition, the heir's role would fall to Kane, but he was still too young to manage the family's affairs, so a regent from among the uncles would be necessary.

The ideal candidate in Jessica’s heart was definitely Fredric.

Afterward, Jessica retired to her room to rest.

Sheryl invited Aurelia to join her for afternoon tea in the garden.