Ch. 1621..1630
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1621
Remorseful
Celeste was taken aback by her mother-in-law’s reaction, wondering why she reacted so strongly to her question. So she knew about Dylan and his other daughter but kept that from me?
Celeste was upset and aggrieved that Nancy was helping Dylan to cover up about his illegitimate daughter. She thought they were fighting for power and were on opposing sides. Little did she expect her mother-in-law would shield her son over that matter.
“Who is that woman, Mother? When did she hook up with Dylan?” Celeste did not answer Nancy’s question. She only looked at her pitifully and asked about the other woman.
As a daughter-in-law, she had treated Nancy with respect and thought that was reciprocated. She always felt her mother-in-law favored her more when compared to Dylan. It was a shocking discovery for her to find out that her mother-in-law had kept her in the dark about such a major act of betrayal.
She felt all the love and respect she showered on Nancy had gone down the drain.
“How did you know about Dylan’s illegitimate child?” Nancy did not bother to ask how Celeste felt about the matter. She was more concerned about who leaked that information. After all, she thought it was a secret, and even Dylan did not know about the matter.
“Miranda heard a girl call Dylan Dad when she was in the garden earlier. She told me about it. Otherwise, I would still be in the dark.” Celeste was disgruntled. She could not comprehend why her mother-in-law was more concerned about how she found out about the matter.
Nancy’s face turned white upon hearing Celeste’s reply. She jumped up from the couch and stared intently at Celeste, asking, “What did you say? Repeat what you just said!”
While Nancy was losing her mind over the discovery that Arielle had met up with Dylan, her son was sullenly slouched on the couch, listening to the audio Arielle was playing back for him. When he heard his mother admitting to killing Maureen, his heart bled, and it pained him so much that he thought he would die from the heartache.
Knowing that his most beloved woman was killed by his mother, he was overwhelmed with guilt. He knew he was too ashamed and would not be able to face Maureen in the other world.
“Sannie, I have let your mom down. And I have let you down too…”
He could not forgive himself, thinking he was the cause of all those tragedies. If he had not fallen for Maureen, she would not have suffered such a tragic fate.
He blamed himself, and he was extremely remorseful.
“It is not your fault, Dad! Mom felt very blessed and grateful to have fallen in love with you and bore you a child.” Arielle held on to Dylan’s huge, warm hand and comforted him softly.
Although Maureen had never shared her innermost feelings with her, Arielle could not remember a single time her mom had said anything bad about her dad.
His daughter’s comforting words only made him more sorrowful, and Dylan’s tears rolled down his cheeks uncontrollably.
He was devastated and blamed himself for the sufferings Maureen and Arielle went through. They had lived such a sad life because he failed to protect them.
It pained Arielle to see her dad drown in sorrow and self-reproach.
Back at Nancy’s palace, Celeste was stunned by her mother-in-law’s dramatic reaction. She quickly obliged her by repeating what she had just said.
“Impossible! How is that possible?” The woman muttered to herself, then turned to Miranda, who was standing behind Celeste. “Miranda, did you really hear that? Are you sure?” she questioned brashly.
Miranda definitely would not dare to utter a single word of untruth to Nancy. She hurriedly swore on her life that she was telling the truth and that she did hear the girl call Dylan Dad.
Nancy’s heart sank as she heard that. Arielle is supposed to be dead, so if a girl called Dylan Dad, it could only mean…
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1622
She Is Not Dead
The expression on Nancy’s face turned menacing as she thought about how Arielle had slyly faked her own death to deceive her.
No! Something is not right!
She immediately turned to Monisha and whispered, “We sent someone to investigate Arielle’s death. Did that person come back with a report?”
Monisha searched her mind and recalled that that investigator did not come back to them with a report, and she stood rooted to the ground in bewilderment.
Nancy could already tell what had happened by Monisha’s change in expression, and she sunk into great despair.
She realized Arielle had faked her own death to find the mastermind, and she had foolishly fallen for her trick.Playvolume
Her hands clutched together tightly at that horrifying thought.
“What has that got to do with Arielle, Mother?” Celeste was utterly confused, wondering why her mother-in-law was harping on what happened to Arielle when they were talking about Dylan’s illegitimate child.
Moreover, Arielle was already dead, and Celeste superstitiously felt it was unlucky to talk about a deceased person.
Looking at the clueless Celeste, Nancy knew there was no point in covering up anymore. She was only shocked that Arielle would actually put on a disguise and take a risk to come into the palace to meet Dylan.
A father and a daughter’s relationship sure are stronger!
Suddenly, her expression turned dark as she made more belated realizations.
So the father and daughter knew of each other’s identity? When? Was it before Dylan’s birthday party? No wonder he made an entrance with Arielle by his side!
“Mother! Who is Dylan’s illegitimate child? And who is the woman who seduced Dylan?” The thought that Dylan had betrayed her and bore a child with another woman was unbearable, and Celeste was burning with rage.
“Arielle!”
“What?” Celeste looked at her mother-in-law, puzzled why she kept talking about Arielle.
“Arielle is Dylan’s secret child!” Nancy blasted out the truth, annoyed that Celeste was too dense to get the idea herself.
Celeste looked at her in disbelief and asked, “Did you just say Arielle is Dylan’s secret child?”
Her mother-in-law nodded and added, “I kept it from you as I wanted to silently finish her off instead. I did not expect you to find out Dylan has an illegitimate child. There is no point in hiding that from you now.”
“But isn’t Arielle dead?” Celeste stared at her and mumbled, “If she is, then how is it possible for her to be with Dylan and call him Dad? So she is not dead, after all?”
The other woman sullenly nodded and said, “That’s right. She is not dead!”
The news that Arielle was Dylan’s illegitimate child and that she was still alive was too much for Celeste to handle. She stood there dumbfounded as the past flashed by in her mind.
Arielle was a Chanaean, and Dylan had married Celeste only a year after he returned from Chanaea. After their marriage, he had not left the country. That meant Dylan had another woman before he met her, and Arielle was born before they got married.
She had no idea Dylan was in love with another woman before they met. If she had known, she would not have chosen to marry him.
It was with mixed emotions that she finally realized why her husband had refused to share a space with her all those years that they were married.
“You had always known that Dylan has a person he loves in Chanaea, didn’t you, Mother?” It was more of a statement than a question.
When Nancy nodded in affirmation, Celeste broke out in tears.
“Since you knew he was in love with another woman, why did you arrange for me to marry him?” she shouted hysterically at her mother-in-law, tears flowing copiously from her sad-looking eyes.
All those times, she thought Dylan did not like her and the idea of arranged marriage. She was hoping that, with time, she could touch him with her love. Alas, the fact was that his heart was already taken by another woman, and there was nothing left for her.
Nancy was enraged by Celeste’s accusation and shouting, as she had never been treated with such disrespect in her entire life.
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1623
Go Back If You Want To Act Crazy
“Celeste!” Nancy looked at Celeste coldly. “Go back if you want to act like a crazy woman. This place isn’t for you to do whatever you want.”
At that very moment, Celeste was so overwhelmed with hatred that she stared daggers at her before turning around to storm out.
Nancy felt so furious her chest hurt upon seeing that expression of hers.
But thinking of how Celeste had lived like a widow for many years left her feeling a pang of guilt that she eventually suppressed the fury raging in her.
“Your Majesty, what should we do now?” Monisha looked at Nancy worriedly. “That person knows you’re the one behind it. If you get ratted out…”
The latter shot Monisha a glance, then walked toward the windows and stared outside intently.
The fact that Arielle is alive means they’ve already caught those people I’ve sent over. There are only two possibilities for there to be no news for so long. Either that person hasn’t revealed the mastermind behind him, or Arielle has other plans in mind. No matter which it is, I can’t let my guard down. But of course, the critical thing now is to resolve the internet matter first.
At the thought of how the opposite party could find out what she was doing and saying at all times, she could not contain her anger and displeasure.
Meanwhile, Celeste intended to look for Dylan after returning to her palace. She wanted to divorce him, but before she could, Miranda stopped her.
“Your Majesty, aren’t you giving in to that illegitimate child if you get a divorce at this point?” Celeste did not understand what Miranda was trying to say. Why does my divorce mean that I’m giving in to Arielle?
Noticing that pair of befuddled eyes, Miranda quickly added, “If you get a divorce now, Prince Aaron will be the one to suffer. His Majesty already doesn’t have a good impression of him; if you get a divorce, aren’t you just granting His Majesty’s wish?”
Granting Dylan’s wish? Celeste’s eyes were full of puzzlement. What does she mean?
“I’m afraid Arielle’s mother will take your position after your divorce and bear another son for His Majesty. If that happens, Prince Aaron’s position will be at stake.”
Celeste was stumped. That’s right; how can I get a divorce and ruin my son’s future just because I’m not living blissfully? I mustn’t divorce him. I must hold onto my position as the Queen of Turlen. Only that way can my son succeed to the throne and become the king in due course.
“Miranda, it’s good you reminded me in time. Otherwise, I’d have put Aaron’s position at risk,” Celeste expressed while looking at Miranda sincerely.
Miranda shook her head lightly. In truth, her suggestion was not only for Celeste and Aaron but also for herself and her family. After all, she had raised Aaron and watched him grow up. His entitlement to the throne would surely do her family good.
“Your Majesty, do you think Her Majesty the Queen will find fault with His Majesty after she returns?” Monisha could not help but feel worried when she thought of how Celeste left in a huff.
Nancy shook her head. “If she’s smart enough, she won’t do that.”
Once she finished speaking, she sat back down on the couch. She had one hand propped against her head and the other rubbing her temples. Catching a glimpse of that, Monisha went up behind her and helped give her a massage. About half an hour later, just after she closed her eyes for a rest, the secretary came in and called her in a low voice.
At that, she narrowed her eyes as she looked in his direction.
“Your Majesty, we’ve received a call from that person, asking us to be prepared as someone will send over the stuff within the next few days.” The secretary glanced at her and put forth his purpose of coming.
As she did not expect that the parcel would arrive so soon, Nancy was a little shocked at first. But other than being shocked, she was even more surprised about it. Well, Lady Luck is indeed on my side! Waving her hand to dismiss her secretary, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1624
Just Leave It To Me
Nancy seemed to be in anticipation as the call went through after a few rings.
“Why do you have time to call me, Your Majesty? How rare this is!” A man’s deep voice rang from the other end of the call.
As soon as Nancy heard the man’s voice, her lips curled into a grin.
“I shan’t beat around the bush. I called this time because I have a favor to ask of you. I wonder if you will agree to it.”
Although looking rather composed, she was, in fact, a little uneasy on the inside. Despite having several interactions with him for the past few years, she could not fully grasp his character even at this point.
The Duke left his desk and walked to the window. Looking at the night view outside, he let out a few laughs. “How am I supposed to agree if Your Majesty doesn’t tell me what it is?”
Nancy immediately figured there was a glimpse of hope that the opposite party would agree. Without hesitation, she told him about her request.
He thought she had asked for his help because there was something important. However, it turned out that it was such an easy matter. As such, he agreed without giving it further consideration.
“I shall thank you for troubling you regarding the matter.” She heaved a deep sigh of relief after learning that he agreed so readily.
“Don’t worry. Just leave it to me!” Finishing his words, he hung up the phone before making another call. Shortly after, a woman came in.
“The network of the owner of this number has been bugged. Get it cracked immediately.” As he spoke, he leaned back on his chair with his eyes shut for a short rest.
The woman looked at the number on the man’s phone and strode out right after.
In the apartment, Arielle furrowed her brows after reading the message on her phone.
“What is it?” Vinson asked as he walked over, with his gaze narrowed.
“Someone is trying to crack the system I’m using to spy on the queen mother.” With that, she walked away and went to the room. Inside, she grabbed the laptop from the desk, headed to the couch, and switched on the device.
While the laptop was starting up, she received a notification on her phone informing her that the surveillance software had been cracked. The corners of Arielle’s lips curled into a mocking smirk. Someone actually managed to hack into the system in such a short time. It seems like the queen mother has found some help.
With her eyes narrowed, she ran her fingers across the keyboard unhurriedly. It did not take her too much effort to track down the culprit’s location.
When Arielle saw that it was a familiar place, she lifted her lips into a smirk. The queen mother is really something, huh? Letting out a cold snort, she cleared all of her traces online. Then, she knocked her fingers lightly against several numerical keys on the keyboard to crack the defense installed on Nancy’s phone and computer. Following that, her fingers danced across the keyboard again, and before long, she planted another surveillance software into Nancy’s devices.
Walking into the room to the sight of Arielle closing her laptop and putting it on the desk with a smirk on her face, Vinson knew the matter had come to an end at once. He went up to her, stretched his arms, and pulled her into his embrace.
“What are you intending to do with the queen mother?” Vinson left a light peck on her forehead as he asked in a deep voice.
At the mention of the queen mother, Arielle’s gaze darkened.
“I’ll pull out the evidence and make her bear the consequences after my dad snatches back the power from her hands.” She had been gathering evidence for the past few days.
“Okay, I’ll go look for Harvey tomorrow.” Vinson hugged her tightly. “Let’s get some rest now.”
Without another word, he carried her up, placed her on the bed, and planted his lips directly onto hers.
Meanwhile, the woman working for the Duke still had no idea that Arielle had already tracked down her location, much less that the latter had also planted a more advanced surveillance software into Nancy’s phone and computer. Conversely, she was heading toward the Duke’s office, attempting to brag about her achievements.
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1625
Hacked Into The Surveillance Software
“Duke, I’ve hacked into the surveillance software.” Stepping on her high heels, the woman sashayed her way over to the Duke and reported the situation to him with a soft voice.
“Mmm,” he grunted a reply.
Seeing his reaction, she figured that matter was nothing but a small and insignificant one to him.
“Why are you still here?” The Duke’s languid voice drifted out leisurely as he shut his eyes.
The woman gawked at the Duke in a lovestruck manner. I wonder what Linda did the other time that would cause her to get kicked overseas the next day. But at least that creates an opportunity for me. After all, Linda has been following the Duke for the past five years. But what about me? Only when Linda went to Chanaea can I…
At that thought, she inched closer to him and pulled his shirt. “Duke…” Her voice was gentle yet seductive.
Opening his eyes, the Duke shot her an icy stare as he lifted his hand to hold her chin. “You want it?”
The woman was a little uneasy when she noticed the Duke’s expression. However, she figured she had to take the opportunity of this moment while Linda was not around to boost her importance in the Duke’s heart.
“You haven’t touched me for a few days…” Her soft and alluring voice had a tinge of resentment and bitterness.
He let go of his grip on her chin and shut his eyes. “You want it? Do it yourself!”
Hearing that, her eyes instantly lit up. She turned the Duke’s chair to face her, knelt before him, and unbuckled his belt.
About a week later, Nico was immensely thrilled about her findings. Yes! I’ve finally found Mr. Knightley’s address. I must go and look for him!
After making that decision, she put on some makeup and dressed nicely. Then, she quickly drove toward Vinson’s apartment.
Along her way, she thought about the things to say to Vinson upon her arrival. She smacked her head in frustration as she could not think of anything that she reckoned was a great conversation starter. I guess the best way is for me to adapt to the situation.
Upon arriving at Vinson’s accommodation, she strode right up to the door and pressed the doorbell.
In the room, Arielle snuggled comfortably in Vinson’s arms while asleep. Her brows instinctively scrunched into a line when she heard the doorbell ring.
“I’ll go open the door. Get on with your sleep.” Vinson lightly kissed Arielle on her lips and walked out after putting on his clothes.
When Arielle opened her eyes to check the time, she realized it was already ten in the morning. She slept in because Vinson had given her a tough time the entire night, and she had only managed to close her eyes for some rest when the sun was about to rise.
Yawning loudly, she grabbed her clothes and headed into the bathroom.
The moment Vinson opened the door, he furrowed his brows. It was Nico standing at the door, with a bright smile on her face.
“Knightley, so you’re really staying here?” Nico did not seem to take notice of the impatient look on Vinson’s face. Instead, she looked at him and joyfully said, “I rushed over immediately after finding out about your address.”
A tinge of annoyance flashed in Vinson’s eyes as he asked in a frosty voice, “What made you come here?”
He might have forced himself to entertain Nico a little if he had wanted to curry favor with Matthew like before. But after knowing it was impossible to do that, he could no longer be bothered about her.
“Mr. Knightley, I know you only have Dr. Moore in your mind. But she’s no longer around. You should set your sight into the future. As long as you can forget her one day, I don’t mind if she still lives in your heart for the time being. You—”
Before Nico could finish her sentence, she saw a woman walking out from inside. At once, she widened her eyes and stared at Vinson in shock.
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1626
She Is My Wife
“Mr. Knightley, who is this woman?” Nico directed a hostile glare at Arielle.
Turning back, Vinson wrapped his arms around Arielle and kissed her forehead before averting his gaze back to Nico. “She is my wife.”
Nico looked at him in disbelief. How is that possible? Doesn’t he only have Arielle in his mind? Since when did he get married to another woman?
“Mr. Knightley, there’s no need to find a random woman and tell me she’s your wife even if you want to make me give up on you.” Nico did not believe that Vinson was married. Instead, she thought he was merely using another woman as an excuse to stop her from clinging to him.
It was out of Arielle’s expectations that Nico would come looking for Vinson again. Lifting her gaze, she said in a crisp yet chilly voice, “I am his wife indeed.” With that said, she grabbed Vinson’s face and kissed his lips before turning back to look at Nico with an eyebrow raised, almost as if she was openly staking her claim on Vinson.
At the sight of how Vinson looked at the woman before him adoringly, Nico felt even more terrible.
Not only did he not push that woman away, he even allowed her to kiss him. Don’t tell me they’re really married? But doesn’t he love Dr. Moore? Why is he married so suddenly?
Puzzlement and resentment filled Nico.
“He doesn’t love you at all. He has given all his love to Dr. Moore.” Nico glared at Arielle and uttered grimly, “Do you know Dr. Moore? She’s dead, but she will stay in his heart forever. You will never be able to replace the important place she holds in his heart.”
Arielle found those words rather amusing. I can’t believe she actually knows how important I am in Vinson’s heart. Well, I guess one understands their love rival the most, huh?
“So what?” Arielle fixed her gaze on Nico and let out a scoff. “Regardless of how important she is, she’s already dead. Even if I can’t replace her, I’ll still stay by his side for the rest of my life. I’m sure he’ll be touched by me one day and fall in love with me.”
Arielle’s placid tone only made Nico swamped with jealousy.
It was because those were her personal plans too.
Unfortunately, before she could execute it, someone else had done it.
Indignance blazed within Nico. I’ve already lost to Arielle. Yet, now, someone else jumped in before I could!
She stared at Vinson in distraught. Am I not good enough? Why would he marry another woman when Arielle only died not too long ago?
“Miss, we still have matters to do. Please excuse us.” Not wanting to see Nico bothering Vinson any longer, Arielle closed the door and walked out with her hand wrapped around Vinson’s arm.
Initially, she wanted to stay in the apartment for a while longer while Vinson made his way over to meet Harvey. Unexpectedly, Nico made her way over to their apartment. The latter’s presence made her change her mind, and she decided to follow Vinson along to the Wynter residence. She thought while Vinson was discussing matters with Harvey, she could spend some time with Sonia since they have yet to have a good chat after their arrival this round.
Their retreating figures pierced through Nico’s heart like a knife.
“Knightley, you’re the one who gave me up. You will regret it. You’ll definitely regret your choice!” Nico yelled as she saw them getting into the car.
At that, Vinson and Arielle shared a look before opening the car doors and settling into the seats.
“It’s all your fault for stirring such love troubles!” Arielle protested.
Exasperation surged within Vinson. I, too, have no idea how this love trouble came about!
Their lack of response only made Nico clutch her hands viciously.
“Knightley, I will make you agree to marry me!” A merciless look flashed across her eyes.
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1627
There Is No Point
About half an hour later, Vinson’s car rolled to a stop outside Lawrence’s house. Harvey and Sonia had been waiting by the entrance for quite a while.
Sonia had already seen Arielle’s appearance after the disguise when they visited previously. Upon seeing the latter again at that point, she could not contain her emotions and immediately went up to give the latter a big hug. Harvey, who was at one side, looked at her concernedly and reminded, “Be careful.”
Since Sonia’s baby bump became more visible to the others, Kelly had made her way to the school to help the former apply for leave. Her original plan was for Sonia and Harvey to hold a wedding ceremony, but Lawrence was against the idea. Instead, he requested for the ceremony and registration to wait for a later date.
In truth, Kelly could not wrap her head around the situation. He obviously has high regard for Harvey. Why did he forbid them to hold a wedding ceremony? However, when she tried to probe, he was reluctant to share his reason and only asked her not to worry as he knew what he ought to do.
Since Kelly could not gain any clues from him, she decided to change her target to Harvey. Nonetheless, the latter brushed her off by saying that he could not do anything since Lawrence was against it.
Because of that, Kelly had been putting on a stoic face all day long. In contrast, Sonia seemed like she did not care about anything and even came up with many jokes to cheer the former up after seeing her displeased look. Having lived under the same roof for some time, they gradually forged a closer relationship.
“Fret not. It’s nothing. I know what to do.” Sonia lifted her lips into a bright smile as she reassured the worried Harvey.
Deep down, Arielle was glad to see the two getting along well. As much as she could not reciprocate Harvey’s feelings for her, she was genuinely happy that he could now focus all his attention on another lady.
“Go ahead with your discussion, guys. I’ll stay with Sonia and have a good chat with her,” Arielle said to the two men.
“Sonia, take your time. Don’t rush while you’re walking,” Harvey hurriedly instructed Sonia when he saw her pull Arielle and tread away.
“I got it. Don’t worry,” Sonia replied without whipping her head around.
Tilting her head to Sonia and noticing the blissful look on her face, Arielle felt joy gushing through her veins.
“Sonia, I’m really delighted to see you living in bliss.” Arielle smiled.
A warm smile crept up on Sonia’s face as she pursed her lips in response.
If truth be told, she did not expect to find a good man after one night of indulging and letting herself go unrestrained. Thinking of how thoughtful and caring Harvey was toward her, the smile on her face widened.
“Ms. Moore, Harvey treats me especially well. Even my mom is impressed with him.”
It was hard to tell if it was because she was becoming a mother, but the smile on Sonia’s face was extra warm and gentle.
“It’s great to know that he treats you well. That’s what everyone yearns for in their lives.”
After watching the two ladies leave, Vinson and Harvey exchanged smiling glances and proceeded to the study to discuss some matters.
Back at the palace, Dylan called Aaron over.
At the sight of his father, the latter felt his heart wrenched.
He had a burning question in his head—whether Dylan had chosen to watch himself act like a fool because he hated a son like him.
However, those words remained at the tip of his tongue, refusing to go past his lips.
I’m merely someone who they’ve abandoned. What’s the point of asking that? Even if I asked, he’d probably brush me off half-heartedly. There’s no point in doing that!
“Is anything the matter?” Aaron gazed at Dylan and asked in a cold voice.
With his eyes on him, Dylan asked, “How much do you know about the matter between your grandma and me?”
Aaron felt his heart skip a beat. “Why did you ask that?”
Could it be…
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1628
Insolence
“The crown will eventually be yours, Aaron.” Dylan studied his son for a while before divulging the matter between him and Nancy. “What do you think?” he asked at the end, observing Aaron as he did so. “Will you take my side or your grandmother’s?”
Having assumed that his father had found out that he was taking his grandmother’s side, Aaron was surprised to find out his father telling him instead of the power struggle between him and his grandmother before asking him whose side he took.
I might have remained neutral before, seeing as I would be next in line for the throne regardless of who it is who wins. Now, however…
He returned Dylan’s gaze with a frown. “Do I have to choose between you and Grandma?”
Dylan gazed at his only son and shook his head. “You can remain neutral. It wouldn’t affect our relationship no matter whose side you choose.”
His main reason for contesting power against his mother had been to amend the laws and reconcile with Arielle. Currently, however, he also intended for his only son to inherit the throne.
Dylan did not want to name Arielle his heir because she had her own family and was unwilling to remain in Turlen. The throne shouldn’t be an encumbrance to her. As a girl, she should be loved and spoiled.
Aaron was amused by his father’s proclamation.
“I am your son. Of course, I would take your side.” He gazed at his father, hiding how he truly felt. “Tell me your plans. I will do my best to accommodate you.”
Aaron’s words pleased Dylan. Many things are already halfway done with my boy by my side. However, the plan must not yet be revealed.
“I don’t have any plans yet,” Dylan said as he looked at him. “I’ll let you know once I’ve narrowed down my options.”
He was reluctant to share his plans because he knew his mother’s capacity for scheming very well. It would be easy for her to trick Aaron into spilling the beans. She has been fond of Aaron since his birth, and it would be dangerous if he let something slip.
Aaron narrowed his eyes at his father’s response. He must be unwilling to tell me to prevent me from blabbing. He would be more willing to speak if Arielle was the one standing before him, wouldn’t he?
Aaron felt awful at that thought. He did not care about any of those; what stung the most was how his father and sister lied to him. Though they knew how hard Arielle’s death had hit him, they ganged up to maintain the deception toward him.
They find me that despicable and untrustworthy, don’t they? Very well.
“Let me know when you have decided,” Aaron said. “Perhaps we can even brainstorm together.”
Dylan was content with his son’s reaction.
“I will keep it under advisement. Leave me, my son.” At the dismissal, Aaron bowed before turning to leave and ran into Morrison, Dylan’s right-hand man, as soon as he stepped out the door. Morrison sank into a low bow when he saw Aaron, who nodded before proceeding forward.
Morrison glanced at him before entering Dylan’s study.
Aaron turned a corner before stopping and looking back toward the study with narrowed eyes. He then crept over.
At that moment, the study was so quiet that even the sound of a pin dropping would be deafening.
Suddenly, Dylan’s angry voice exploded forth. “Insolence! How dare they!”
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1629
Power Struggle
“What do we do now, Your Majesty?” Morrison asked quietly.
Aaron held his breath on the other side of the door and leaned closer.
“How dare they engage in corruption!” came Dylan’s livid outburst from within the study. “You are to gather evidence on them immediately, and we will nab them all the first chance we get.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Morrison replied. “Consider it done.”
Aaron heard the footsteps from outside the door and hid at once, departing stealthily after Morrison left.
Corruption? Who did he mean? Could it be one of Grandma’s men?Playvolume.
Aaron narrowed his eyes in contempt for their behavior. At the thought of what his father and Arielle did to him, however, he headed toward his grandmother’s quarters with a grim smile.
“Grandma,” Aaron greeted Nancy softly. She was seated at her desk, dealing with some official business, when Monisha waved him in.
She was delighted by his arrival.
It made her especially happy and relieved that Aaron had renounced his father to join his grandmother’s cause.
“What are you doing here? Don’t you have class today?” the woman asked, smiling so broadly that her eyes were slits.
Aaron did not know how to feel about how little his grandmother had smiled at him in the past compared to how she was acting now.
He inclined his head at her question. “I have no classes today. Father spoke to me earlier, and I came to you after leaving him.”
Nancy’s piercing gaze fell upon him at the news. “What did your father want with you?”
Her voice carried a sliver of threat, but Aaron was no longer afraid of her. He felt like a prize that the two of them were fighting over.
“Father has told me about you and him and wants me to pick a side,” he said coolly as he narrowed his eyes.
Nancy’s heart sank at those words. Aaron had pledged himself to me!
“It’s time you learned to handle some official business,” she declared as she returned Aaron’s gaze. “You cannot remain wholly ignorant as the future king.”
“We’ll talk about it after my graduation. I do not wish to concern myself with those matters right now.”
Nancy’s smile widened at his words.
Aaron is not interested in power. Just as well. If he ever dares to express any interest… Her eyes narrowed dangerously.
“I ran into Morrison as I was leaving Father’s study, Grandma,” Aaron added as he stared at his grandmother’s narrowed eyes. “I overheard them talking about corruption and that they’ll nab them all once they gathered enough evidence. You need to take care of business quickly. Don’t let your men get caught red-handed.”
Nancy’s face drained of color.
Aaron left her quarters ten minutes later and headed to the queen’s.
Celeste was overjoyed to see him.
Though she resented Nancy for forcing Dylan on her, Celeste did not regret having Aaron. He was her only son and the sole reason for her continued desire for life in the palace.
“Are you aware of the power struggle between your father and grandmother?”
Celeste brought the matter up during an idle conversation after lunch with her son.
Aaron gazed at her and nodded lightly.
“Whose side are you on?”
Aaron narrowed his eyes and gazed at Celeste. “Whose side do you want me to be on, Mother?” he asked softly.
Though he had already made up his mind, he still wanted to hear his mother’s opinion.
Obsessed CEO Throws Himself at Me Chapter 1630
The Matter Of Marriage
Celeste naturally wanted him to take the queen mother’s side. As evil as she is to force upon me a man in love with another woman, I am sure that the queen mother is unhappy about the other woman, or she would not have Dylan marry me by drugging him to sleep with me.
She did not dare let Aaron take Dylan’s side as the latter might bring the woman back to the country and legitimize her as his wife if he obtained power. What if he has another son with her?
By then, her son would be cast aside. Being the prince did not guarantee entitlement to the throne; she felt the need to make her son’s plans for him.
“Though your father has been good to you over the years, Aaron,” Celeste said in a low voice with her eyes fixed on him, “I hope you will take your grandmother’s side.”
Aaron was taken aback by that. He thought that his mother, being deeply in love with his father, would have him take his father’s side. To his astonishment, she would rather have him side with his grandmother.
Why is that?
He expressed that doubt out loud.
Celeste gazed at him uncertainly, unable to find the right words to tell him that his father had a daughter with another woman.
“Because your grandmother has been in power for over twenty years. Your father knows nothing, and you’ll suffer if you choose to take his side.”
Aaron chuckled as he did not foresee that reply. However, he nodded all the same.
“Then I’ll do as you say.”
Celeste was pleased to hear that.
She gazed at Aaron and found him different after experiencing death. He became more docile.
“I know you don’t like hearing it, but it’s something we must discuss. You’re coming of age soon, and your grandmother and I are worried about your marriage. Do you have somebody in mind?”
As with all parents, Celeste was predisposed to fret over her child’s marriage. She was particularly afraid that Aaron would seek Arielle if he found out she was still alive. However, Arielle was his father’s daughter. As much as Celeste did not like to admit it, she could not deny the fact that Arielle was Dylan’s daughter and Aaron’s elder half-sister.
She wanted to quickly secure his agreement on the matter of his marriage while her son was still unaware that Arielle had survived.
Aaron felt exasperated at the repeated mention of his wedding.
“I have matters to attend to, Mother. I must go.” Without another word, he got up and left as if escaping from her company.
Miranda appeared just then with a bowl of fruit. She gazed helplessly at Celeste at the sight of Aaron’s flight. “What’s going on? His Royal Highness looked as if he was running for his life.”
“It was because I brought up the matter of his marriage.” Celeste sounded defeated.
Seated in the Wynter residence, Harvey and Vinson appeared grim.
“Though His Majesty managed to sway some to our cause, he does not have many powerful people on his side. We must look for the opportunity to undermine the queen mother’s people and put ours in their place.” Vinson frowned as he spoke.
“I second that notion,” Harvey said, recounting his conversations with Lawrence and drawing his inferences. “Over the coming days, my future father-in-law would lobby for support from the shadows. We know many are dissatisfied with the queen mother’s people but are afraid to show it. Plenty will support His Majesty’s intention of snatching power back.”
Vinson felt incredibly grateful to Harvey and Lawrence. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t have been able to lobby the support we got through Dylan’s efforts alone.