NovelEnglishThe following morning, Aurelia took Kane along to Arnold's estate, where they were expected for lunch with William.
She needed to give Arnold a heads-up and warn him to be wary of Raines.
Hearing her theory, Arnold was visibly rattled, "You think the guy who cback isn't Raines, but Geoffrey in disguise?" "Yep," Aurelia nodded, a hint of determination in her voice, "Skyler felt it right away, said the guy was a dead ringer for his brother Geoffrey. So, | got suspicious. The meals Raines used to love are the ones Geoffrey can't stand. He might lose weight from being sick, sure, but his whole lifestyle won't change. His old favorites are now on his hate list." Arnold pondered her suspicion, frowning thoughtfully, "Better safe than sorry. Geoffrey's a slippery fish, and we still don't have a clue about his real deal. And if this Raines is a fake, then where's the real Raines?" Arnold mused.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAurelia's voice lowered, "No idea. All | know is Elfreda's gone missing. Lisbeth claims they've got her tucked away in sout-of- town sanatorium, but | call bull. Why not keep her local if she's just convalescing? Something's fishy." Arnold's brow furrowed deeper, "Could they have Raines and Elfreda locked up somewhere?" "It's likely," Aurelia continued, "I doubt they'll not harm them for now. They're bargaining chips. We can't spook them, or Raines and Elfreda could be in real danger." A flicker of fiery resolve passed through Arnold's eyes, "He likes to play games? Well, let's play. Sooner or later, he's gonna play with fire and get burned." Later in the afternoon, Aurelia rang up Lisa, asking her to bring Nova over for a playdate.
Arnold broke into a sweat but kept mum. It had been a while since he'd seen Nova.
Nova seemed to take to everyone, a real social butterfly. The sight of her older brothers had her giggling uncontrollably.
Aurelia swept her up into a hug, planting a kiss on her chubby cheeks.
"Our little Nova's growing up fast." "Ga-ga goo-goo," Nova's pudgy hands latched onto her finger, babbling away in baby speak.
Aurelia chuckled heartily. Nova was too cute. Aurelia wanna start making babies with Leopold tomorrow.
"Nova, missed daddy? Let him hold you for a bit." She passed Nova to Arnold.
But Nova seemed reluctant, gripping Aurelia's clothes and burying her face in her embrace.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAurelia soothed, patting her back, "Nova, you are just not used to daddy anymore. We'll give you a little time." William reached out, "Nova, cto me." Nova turned, flashing a toothless smile, and reached out to him. She adored William.
William lifted her into his arms and headed for the yard, "Let's go play outside." Kane followed, pushing the stroller.
Arnold's face betrayed a hint of resignation, "Looks like I'm her least favorite." Aurelia replied, "That just means you've been away too long. She'd warm up to you with more frequent visits." Lisa brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and sipped her tea, staying silent.
Post-divorce, she'd opened a studio, with Aurelia and Avery drumming up publicity. She now had a solid roster of big clients.
Arnold put on a bitter smile.
Nova sure looked like him, but there was no warmth there. Maybe she sensed she wasn't born from his hopes and dreams.
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