The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 996

Skyler could make a clear distinction between right and wrong.

Tanya and Geoffrey were anything but kind to him. In his eyes, they were the real villains trying to use and control him. They even spread rumors that he was sick to make him the laughingstock of everyone, leaving him to face mockery and discrimination.

Angel and his cousin stood by him, always encouraging and trusting him. Thanks to them, Skyler had led a life as normal as any other person.

[If you see me as your brother, why do you always wear a mask around me, hiding your face? I can never trust someone behind a mask.] Skyler challenged.

[I have my reasons, and one day, when my long-held wish comes true, you'll see my face.] Geoffrey promised.

[Then we'll talk on that day. Until I see your face, I can't trust you. For all I know, you could be a stranger masquerading as my brother, trying to fool me. I'm not dumb enough to fall for that.] Skyler retorted with suspicion.

[Don't you trust Tanya at least? She sent you to Elysium so that you would reconnect with the Stirling family. But Leopold disagrees and fears you'll threaten his position as the head of the family and has locked Tanya away. She's in danger and Leopold could harm her at any moment. We need to find a way to save her.] Geoffrey urged.

[Tanya's back at Eastwood Heights, that's what my dad told me.]

[Hanson is siding with Leopold now. Of course, he won't tell you the truth.]

[If she's been locked away, then she must have done something wrong. I don't believe you. I'll find out the truth for myself.]

[You think Aurelia and Leopold will tell you the truth? They're just brainwashing you and treating you like a fool. One day, you'll realize how foolish it was to trust them.]

Skyler laid his phone down on the table, with his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He knew Geoffrey was probably trying to drive a wedge between him, his cousin, and Angel. Without them, Skyler would be back to being bullied and manipulated just like before.

She and Leopold had already agreed that if the secret came out, they would tell Skyler the truth without any lies.

"Skyler, let me tell you a story," she began, revealing the saga of the previous generation and the actions of Tanya.

"You are indeed a kid of the Stirling family, Leopold's half-brother. After the downfall of AK Group, your dad and Jessica decided it would be best for you to continue living as a member of the Heninger family, carefree and happy, away from the burdens of the past and the complexities of these matters."

Aurelia gently patted his shoulder. "Skyler, you are pure and kind. We've worked hard to keep your world untainted, shielding you from the strife and scheming of the adult world. But we will respect your choice. If you wish to return to the Stirling family, we will arrange for you to enter the family chapel and pay homage to your ancestors, to truly reclaim your heritage."

Skyler's head hung low, and he remained silent for a long time.

He just wanted to be a quiet, normal kid, far from the complexities of the adults’ world, which was filled with deceits and dark intrigues without beauties.