She was the one to bring it up because she couldn't bear the thought of him throwing divorce papers in her face one day, demanding her signature. She needed to hold onto what little, brittle pride she still had.
"Mom, I'm a bit tired, I need to rest."
"Okay, but finish your food first," Jolin sighed. Her daughter had always been a stubborn one. She would need time and patience to come to her own realizations.
Her daughter had stumbled upon a marriage that many women could only dream of. It felt as though the Hawthorne's lineage was steeped in luck getting the chance. She couldn't stand by and watch her daughter ruin it all.
...
That night, Arnold visited his Aunt Marcia.
"Aunt Marcia, did you have anything to do with what happened to Aurelia?"
"What happened to her?" Marcia asked.
"She was hit by a car on her way home from work. She gave birth prematurely, and lost one of the twins," Arnold's heart was heavy with grief.
He hadn't seen Aurelia in days. She was taken away by Leopold, and he had no way of reaching her. He didn't know how she was doing, or if she was still mourning her lost child.
Marcia sighed, "She's always been careless. This has nothing to do with me. I didn't even have a plan yet, and she's already given birth!"
Arnold raised an eyebrow, his suspicion apparent, "Are you sure it wasn't you?"
"No!" Marcia shook her head. "It was probably just an accident. You're being paranoid. I've always cherished you. Your suspicion hurts me!"
"Aunt Marcia," Arnold looked at her solemnly, "You're the closest person I have in this world, and Aurelia is the woman I love. By hurting her, you're hurting me."
Marcia gave a sardonic smile, "Should I help you win her back from Leopold, then?"
"No, I can handle it myself. This time, I won't lose to Leopold!" Arnold was resolute.
Marcia patted his shoulder, "I'm here for you."
...
Jessica said, "You've been a great help, Jolin."
"I should be taking care of my daughter and grandson," Jolin laughed.
Jessica tickled her grandson, "Even though your father isn't the eldest son, you're the eldest legitimate grandson. You'll be the master of the Stirling family one day."
This made Jolin's heart flutter with joy. The Stirling family valued the legitimate eldest son and grandson. Her grandson was destined to inherit the family's wealth and no one could dispute it.
Thinking of her grandson inheriting such a vast fortune made her dizzy with happiness.
It was as if the Hawthorne family's luck had turned. Their good fortune was the result of generations of good deeds. Her daughter had stumbled upon a great opportunity.
She would take good care of her precious grandson.
"Ma'am, we should have Aurelia give you more grandsons."
Aurelia choked on her drink and coughed. That would be Evelyn's job from now on, not hers.
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