NovelEnglishAurelia descended the stairs with Kane in tow, greeting Hanson and Tanya with a polite nod.
Jessica's smile was as warm as the morning sun, "Aurelia, why don't you take Kane and Skyler out to the garden for some fun?" At the mention of the garden, Skyler sprang up from the couch like a jack-in-the-box, eagerly grabbing Aurelia's hand. "Angel, Kane, let's hit the road." Tanya cast a sidelong glance at him, "You think of nothing but play." Jessica chimed in with a carefree laugh, "That's what being blessed is all about. Life's but a few decades long, and even if we end up a king, in the end, we all return to dust. Better to live free and easy, just like Skyler here." Skyler pulled a face, echoing, "You got it right. Aunt Tanya just doesn't know how to be content, and that's why she got sick." Tanya was furious.
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Jessica noted that although Skyler might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, he wasn't childish. He seemed oblivious, but in reality, he could see right through the veneer of adulthood.
Aurelia led them away. Then Jessica beckoned Hanson and Tanya into the study.
Hanson got straight to the point, "Jessica, I've heard that Leopold's not doing too well. He might even miss the Midsummer ancestral ceremony." Jessica lifted a fine teacup from the table, sipping daintily, "And who have you heard this from?" "The rumor mill's been churning with it," Hanson replied, knowing full well he'd heard it from Tanya, who'd been informed by a female assassin sent by Leopold himself, depicting his condition as grave.
Jessica's eyebrows arched subtly, "So, you came all this way just to talk about this?" Hanson's gaze was stern, "Jessica, this is no small matter. With Kane so young, his absence could lead to turmoil within the Stirling family." Jessica waved her hand dismissively, "There won't be any chaos. The Stirling family has always had a clear line of succession and distinction between legitimate and illegitimate members. What should be done is clearly laid out in the family code." Hanson pressed on, "Jessica, are you considering putting Fredric in charge? He may have been raised by you, but he shares no blood with you." Jessica gave him a long, penetrating look, "With Leopold away, it's only right for the eldest Fredric to preside over the ceremony. Don't buy into the wild gossip. Leopold's fine and we don't need to worry about anything." To Hanson, it seemed Jessica was deliberately hiding the severity of Leopold's illness, much like she had six years prior.
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"Regardless, Jessica, we must prepare for the worst. It's better to be safe than sorry. You may be a Stirling by marriage, but you're also a Heninger by birth. You must consider our family's interests." Jessica sighed, looking at Hanson, "You're becoming more and more like our father." "Now that I've taken father's place, | have to prioritize the Heninger family's welfare," Hanson insisted, "The Stirling heir and regent must both have Heninger blood. Our two families have always been intertwined, and mutually beneficial. If someone else were to take over the Stirling family that harmony could be at risk." Jessica massaged her temples, weary, "Don't worry, and I'm well aware of what's at stake." "Jessica," Hanson said, taking her hand earnestly, "we should officially recognize Skyler's birthright sooner rather than later. He is the true firstborn of the Stirling family. You're not getting any younger. If something were to happen, the Stirling family would lack a proper head, and Skyler's chance to claim his heritage would vanish." Jessica's expression darkened, her thoughts obscured.
A flicker of malice crossed Tanya's eyes as she casually inquired, "Jessica, what seems to be troubling you?" Hanson continued, undeterred, "Skyler may be immature, but I'll put together a council of advisors for him. He won't need to worry about the company."
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