Aurelia said, “Elfreda’s gone missing, so we can’t do a DNA test. It's tough to say right now, because even if he’s not Raines, he's still one of the Stirling family. There's a good chance he’s a long-lost illegitimate son of Chad.” Beverley’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock. “Do you think he’s pretending to be Raines for... for revenge?” Aurelia replied, “I have a hunch that Lisbeth’s baby is Raines’. That's why we need to keep the baby safe. If this guy isn't Raines, he'll surely harm the child.” Nodding, Beverley whispered, “I get it. Don’t worry, | won't breathe a word of this to anyone.” Aurelia headed to the kitchen and simmered a pot of nutritious soup for Lisbeth.
Pregnancy had left Lisbeth utterly drained. Amidst her unease, she had fallen into a deep sleep that lasted well into the afternoon.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAurelia entered with a steaming bowl! of soup and a plate of dinner.
“Lisbeth, you must be starving. Have ssoup before we tuck into dinner.” Lisbeth sat up slowly. She didn’t trust Aurelia and was well aware that they were bound to be adversaries. But her pregnancy had been accidentally revealed to Aurelia, leaving her with no choice but to face the music.
Fortunately, it seemed Aurelia hadn't caught on to her deception, or perhaps she wasn’t as shrewd as Lisbeth had feared.
“Thank you, Aurelia. You're so kind.” “We're family, no need for thanks,” Aurelia said with a smile. “I have to go back to the Stirling Mansion tonight to look after the kids. Beverley and the nanny will stay with you. If you need anything, just call for the nanny.” Lisbeth placed a hand on her belly. “I just hope my baby is born healthy and safe.” Aurelia grinned. “I'm sure the baby will be just fine. Raines will be over the moon when he finds out. | heard he's quite fond of kids and wants to have at least three.” Lisbeth dropped his gaze and shadowed her face to obscure her expressions.
“Fredric and Sheryl have split, and Jessica has brought Nina and Mira to the Stirling Mansion. It must be quite a handful looking after all those kids?” The question seemed like a deliberate change of subject.
Aurelia chuckled. “It's all good. They're sweethearts and don’t givemuch trouble.” After giving Beverley a few instructions, Aurelia left for the mansion.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSkyler had arrived at the Stirling Mansion and was playing baseball with the kids in the yard.
“Angel, you're back! William and | are going to stay over this weekend. We're throwing a gourmet food party with Kane, Nina, and Mira. We're even planning to camp out in the yard.” “That sounds wonderful. Have a blast,” Aurelia replied with a laugh.
She went to find Leopold in his study and told him about Lisbeth’s pregnancy.
“She madeswear to keep it a secret from Raines. There's only one reason for that. The baby isn’t Raines’, or at least not the Raines we know now.” Leopold nodded thoughtfully. He had already tasked his uncle with investigating Hailey. The news was expected soon.
“We'll have to find a way to keep her secret safe.” Aurelia smirked. “A secret pregnancy, huh? Don’t worry, I've got experience. Back in the day, | managed to keep it under wraps almost until the very end.” If it hadn't been for Elowen's assassination attempt on Evelyn, which had caused her to go into premature labor, she might've kept her secret until delivery.
Leopold coughed awkwardly. “It’s different for her. She’s with Raines every day. Keeping it hidden won't be easy.” Aurelia pouted. “True. It'll be a mess if Raines wants to... you know. You can’t do that sort of thing in the first trimester.” Leopold massaged his forehead. Aurelia’s mind always ran wild, thinking up scenarios he would never even consider.
While he was still processing, Aurelia added, “But given his physical condition, he might not have been capable of making love. If he has been intimate with Lisbeth, she probably can’t even be sure whose child it is.”