NovelAppRaines cracked a wry smile. "Fredric, you better not let Sheryl catch you saying that. She'd be upset." Fredric scoffed dismissively. "In the Stirling family, a man's entitled to his dalliances. Any woman marrying into our fold ought to have the grace to accept it." Leopold and Arnold shared a silent thought. They yearned only for Aurelia. No other woman could spark their interest.
Raines nibbled on his apple.
Leopold shot him a stealthy glance.
"It looks like Raines' taste has shifted. Not so keen on apples anymore, huh?" Raines cleaned his hands and offered a faint smile. "A serious illness does change a man's palate. Anything gets tiresif you have too much of it, women included. Stick with one too long, and you might start craving a different flavor, trying out something new." His words skillfully steered the conversation elsewhere.
Fredric nodded in agreement. "Life's for living, my friend. Don't fuss over conventions or morals too much. Stay on the right side of the law, and you're golden." Leopold remained silent. If someone were masquerading as someone they weren't, they'd surely be on high alert. Drawing out the truth wouldn't be an easy task.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe maid announced that dinner was ready.
After eating, everyone went their separate ways.
On Friday, Aurelia took a personal day and headed to Jelena's loft.
The nanny answered the door.
"Mrs. Stirling, welcome. Ms. Jelena's been out at a party since she landed last night. She just returned this morning and is freshening up in the bath." Aurelia blinked in surprise. Straight from the plane to a party? Jelena seemed to have fully embraced the new lifestyle.
She settled on the couch, munching on scookies while she waited.
Jelena emerged from her bath after a long time, draped in a robe, wobbling slightly.
Aurelia raised her eyes to look at Jelena's face, noting the red-rimmed eyes and the stark mark on her neck.
Her heart clenched in recognition of the signs.
She leaped from the couch and steadied Jelena, "Jeez, are you alright?" Jelena seemed dazed, curling up on the couch, her arms wrapped around herself.
"I'm... fine..." Aurelia wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "You're not fine. Did you get wasted last night? Did someone take advantage of you? Which scumbag did it? | swear I'll castrate him." The thought of someone harming Jelena ignited a fire within her.
Jelena shivered, drawing into an even tighter ball.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAurelia's heart twisted in agony, pulling Jelena into an embrace and giving the comfort she knew was needed after such a traumatic event.
"Let's go to the cops." Jelena shook her head. "I don't want to make a report." Aurelia guessed she was worried about the incident becoming public and the scrutiny it would invite.
As a semi-public figure, the assault could trigger a maelstrom of malicious speculation online.
"Okay, no cops. We'll handle it ourselves. We'll get him." Jelena sniffled. "You can't get him." "Why? Who is he?" Aurelia pressed urgently.
Jelena was silent for quite a moment before murmuring a few heavy words, "It was... Fredric." "What?" A pang of shock jolted through Aurelia. Fredric was the last person she had expected.
"Don't worry. Even if he's untouchable, I'll get justice for you." Jelena scratched her head irritably, disheveling her blonde hair.
"It's complicated." Aurelia poured her a glass of water. "Telleverything about last night. | need to know so | can confront him."
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