The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold)

Chapter 1268

[I've hidden clues in the music, and if you can decipher them and look them up, you'll be able to see how I'm able to know your

every move.]

Skyler arched an eyebrow, skepticism etched into his every feature, [You really think I'm going to fall for that? What, like there's

ssecret message hidden in a tune?]

Geoffrey sent back a laughing emoji, [Con, Skyler. Scared of a harmless song? What's the worst it could do, explode? And

aren't you the one with a PhD in psychology? Afraid of a little hypnosis or subliminal messaging? Sounds like you need to hit the

books again.]

Puffing out his cheeks in mock indignation, Skyler typed, [Your reverse psychology won't work on me. That track's a total ear sore.

Sendscatchy tunes if you dare.]

Geoffrey replied with a disdainful emoji, [A catchy tune? Where's the fun in that? You're just a scaredy-cat, a useless mouse,

forever living in my shadow.]

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This riled Skyler up, [Born from the sroot, why such haste to fry each other?]

Geoffrey's reply was a cold snort, [If you're too chicken to try, just say so, fraidy-cat, little mouse.]

William tugged at Skyler's sleeve, a worried look on his face, "Skyler, don't listen to him. He's messing with you. You know he's not

gonna spill the real tea. He's probably trying to psych you out."

"I know better than to play into his hands," Skyler nodded firmly.

That evening, after the kids had played themselves to exhaustion, they all retreated to their rooms to sleep. William headed to

Skyler's room. "Skyler, you're not seriously considering listening to that creepy song, are you?"

Skyler blinked, honestly tempted, "You're getting pretty good at reading microexpressions."

William's big, round eyes darted about, "Maybe we should listen together? Just out of curiosity?"

"No way, that's risky business," Skyler shook his head.

"But you said kids can't be hypnotized. So, if | can't be hypnotized, there's nothing to worry about," William reasoned.

"But kids can still be influenced by psychological suggestion," Skyler countered.

"Not me. I'm strong-willed," William declared, "It's too dangerous for you to listen alone. If you fall under a spell, I'll be here to snap

you out of it."

After a moment's thought, Skyler agreed.

With headphones on, they pressed play.

As the song went on, William felt a growing lump in his throat, memories of hin Goldstone flooding in.

"Skyler, | feel like crying." Tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke.

"Hold it together. It's just a song designed to bring you down, maybe even make you despair," Skyler patted his shoulder.

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William cleaned his tears with his sleeve, asking, "Did you catch any secrets?"

"Not a thing," Skyler shook his head, "He's probably bluffing. That guy's never straight with anyone. He's a master of deceit."

"Yeah, even his face is fake," William agreed, nodding vehemently.

At that moment, Skyler's gaze landed on William's face, and he froze, an incredulous look spreading across his features. He

reached out, tapping William's cheek gently.

"William, are you wearing a mask?"

A surge of panic raced through William, and he clutched at his face, "No, you're seeing things. This is my face."

The tears must have loosened the mask.

Skyler stopped the music, "No, I'm not wrong. You're wearing a mask."

William leaped from the sofa, "I'm tired. | need to go home." Escape was the best plan when all else failed. But before he could

reach the door, Skyler grabbed him, saying, "William, we're best friends. You can't lie to me, or I'll get really mad."