The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 887

Ritchie takes after Perla. Not a bad looker, but he put on too many pounds, kinda ruin the whole package."

Emma chuckled derisively, "You have to be prepared. Ritchie's a lazy bum with not a dime to his name. If you guys ever split, you'll walk away with zilch."

Lilith rolled her eyes dismissively, "Come on, it's not as bleak as you paint it. Once I'm Avery's family, my livestream followers are gonna skyrocket."

She glanced at Aurelia, seeking approval, "Aurelia, I can mention I'm married and now Avery's new sister-in-law on my stream, right?"

Aurelia, ever the straight shooter, replied, "Sure, you can say that. But if you pull any stunts that drag Avery's name through the mud, you're gonna wish you hadn't."

Lilith waved her hand airily, "Relax. I'll just be singing some tunes and selling some merch. What could possibly go wrong?"

Upstairs in the game room, Perla's mind was already turning with schemes. She didn't like Lilith, but she could see the dollar signs in using her to make a quick buck.

"Mom," Perla began, her voice dripping with faux concern, "I know Ritchie's wedding was a bit rushed, but the license is signed, sealed, and delivered. We should at least observe some traditions. How about we have them serve you and Dad, along with Zack, some tea? It's your birthday, after all. A double celebration with a ceremony to welcome the new daughter-in-law."

Jolin saw right through her ploy. A ceremony without a cash gift? Inconceivable.

Belinda sighed, resigned, "Fine."

Perla scampered out with a sly grin, delighted with her cunning.

In the yard, Margot tugged at William's sleeve, her voice tinged with worry, "William, is that lady gonna be me and Bella's stepmom?"

William nodded gravely. The kids in their family sure had it tough, each saddled with a stepmother.

Margot shivered slightly, "She looks kinda scary."

Patting her head with a maturity beyond his years, William reassured her, "Don't worry. You're living with your mother. She can't touch you."

Margot blinked up at him, "Will she give me a poisoned apple or something?"

"Nope," William replied with a shake of his head, "Only Kane's stepmom dishes out poisoned apples."

Perla's mouth twitched in annoyance. Why should she give anything when ultimately it would all end up in her pocket?

"Go ask Zack andJolin," she instructed brusquely.

Lilith pouted, "You're not planning on skipping the wedding gifts, are you?"

Rahul wanted to give, but his pockets were empty, with Perla holding the purse strings.

Perla snapped, "Don't push your luck. You should be grateful I'm even accepting you as my son’s wife."

Jolin scoffed mockingly, "Don’t be ridiculous, Perla, you can't be planning to stir up trouble?"

With a nudge from Rahul, Perla begrudgingly pulled out two hundred bucks, half for her son, and half for Lilith.

Lilith was seething, barely containing her frustration as she went to Zack and Jolin.