The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 69

"I got it. Keep a close eye on them while I handle the marketing side of things."

Knowing the enemy and yourself will ensure victory in every battle.

As Darcy exited, she leaned back in her chair, her mind whirling at a rapid pace.

Astral Enterprises had a strict management policy. In an effort to prevent any internal corruption, the company didn't reimburse for any inter-departmental social expenses. Employees had to foot the bill themselves.

Evelyn was a trust fund kid, she didn't have to worry about money. But Aurelia was a different story, she was living paycheck to paycheck.

Her family was initially quite well-off. Both her parents held solid jobs in big enterprises. But when her brother fell ill, their savings went into a black hole of medical expenses for his specific medicine. Her parents made errors in their desperation to gather funds for his treatment, leading to their suspension from work.

The family's financial burden now rested solely on her shoulders.

Her brother was now in school, and her monthly salary had to cover his tuition and living expenses. The child support provided by Leopold was spent entirely on medication. She was left with barely anything. How could she afford to socialize for work?

After much consideration, she gathered her courage and headed to the CEO's office upstairs.

At the moment, Leopold had just finished a video conference with the executives of Luminous Vision Media.

Astral Enterprises had now become his main office. Most of his time was spent here.

When Aurelia entered, she brought a cup of coffee with her. "Mr. Leopold, I've hand-brewed this Blue Mountain coffee especially for you."

Leopold lifted an eyelid, casting a quick glance at her.

Favors without reason was leading to ulterior motives.

"Do you need something from me?"

"Mr. Leopold, your observation skills are sharp!"

Aurelia gave a thumbs up, quickly complimenting him before nervously adding, "Actually, there is a tiny personal matter. I'm almost four months pregnant now, and my clothes don't fit anymore. I need to buy some suitable and decent ones to cover my growing belly."

She paused, slightly moistening her lips. "My previous clothes were all bought from budget stores. But now that I'm the Design Department Manager, I need to wear more high-end brands like Chanel, Prada... but they are really expensive."

Leopold, of course, understood her implication. He feigned ignorance, "So, what are you suggesting?"

If he hadn't parachuted his relation into the company to compete with her, would she have had to bleed so much money?

He should bear the cost of this socializing!

"So... apart from food and clothing, I have many other expenses!"

"Such as?"

Leopold's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, a mocking smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

She must've spent all the money she secretly took before on that haute couture gown.

He guessed she was distressed inside these days, so she came to him for money to "fill the hole".

Aurelia's eyes darted around a few times before she plopped down on the sofa.

"Mr. Leopold, I've been stressed, anxious, sleep-deprived, and losing hair over this competition. You said we should provide subconscious prenatal education. My mood will affect the children. If I'm not feeling good, they won't be able to grow healthily, both physically and mentally."