The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 19

Leopold watched the photo, the woman in it grinning like a Cheshire cat.

A surge of fury bubbled up from his core, but his face retained its icy countenance, betraying no emotion.

"Aurelia is just an employee at Astral Enterprises, nothing more. I have absolutely no interest in her personal life. You can go now."

Elowen didn't believe a word. After all, if there was nothing between them, why would he rush out of the banquet hall with her in his arms?

"Leopold, you have to believe me. Aurelia is a spy Arnold planted by your side. We've known each other since we were kids, playing hide and seek in the backyard. I am the one who truly loves you. I would even give up my life for you."

"Get out."

Leopold's icy response left Elowen heartbroken—it was far from the reaction she had hoped for.

…

After dinner, Arnold walked Aurelia home. As they were standing at the threshold of her apartment, they were spotted by Leopold in his car.

His eyes flashed with a sudden fury.

As soon as Arnold drove off, Leopold kicked open his car door and bolted towards her.

Aurelia was waiting for the elevator, and before she could comprehend what was happening, he had hoisted her over his shoulder and thrown her into his car.

Her first instinct was that she was being kidnapped. She opened her mouth to scream, but the sight of his handsome yet grim face choked the words in her throat.

"Mr… Mr. Leopold, what on earth are you doing?"

Leopold didn't answer. "Drive," was all he said to his driver, who promptly started the engine.

Aurelia huddled against the car door, shooting him a nervous glance. His face was stormy, as if a tempest was about to break loose.

"Where are we going?" Aurelia asked.

He said nothing.

"Did I do something wrong?" Aurelia continued.

Still nothing.

The tension in the car was palpable, so thick it was suffocating. Her heart clenched in fear.

They drove to the outskirts of the city, and she was led into a small, dark room.

"Attach her to the lie detector," Leopold ordered.

Her heart sank.

Lie detector?

She shook her head vehemently. Arnold was gentle and gentlemanly. She had had a crush on him, but since he didn't reciprocate her feelings, she wasn't going to pine away for him.

The woman in black asked a few more questions before pausing. "Final question, have you ever lied to Mr. Leopold?"

Aurelia licked her lips, swallowing hard. "No."

The woman in black printed out a report and handed it to Leopold.

"Mr. Leopold, Ms. Aurelia failed the polygraph test!"

Leopold's fingers clenched, crumpling the report instantly.

He stood up and began walking towards Aurelia, his shadow engulfing her.

"Do you know the consequences of lying?"

He reached out, gripping her chin.

"I… I…"

Aurelia shrunk back in fear, trembling. His eyes were cold and hard, his face stern and merciless. It looked as if he was ready to snap her neck at any moment.

"I'm giving you one chance to come clean. Tell me, what exactly is your relationship with Arnold?"