Chapter 158 Finding an Honest Man As Husband
Norman grinned, thinking women lacked discipline and would take advantage if given the chance.
After Maria left, he quickly caught up with Aurelia, who was waiting for the elevator. "Are you really going to mess with Chelsea? She's pregnant with a boy. If Nathaniel finds out you're causing trouble, you are dead."
Aurelia had been out shopping but ran into the annoying couple and got a warning from Norman.
"Norman, stay away from me. Don't talk to me when we meet again."
She had made it clear they should act like strangers. She didn't need him, and she definitely didn't want a deadbeat dad.
Norman frowned. "Come on, you're my daughter. You can't ignore the truth."
Aurelia was fed up with his shamelessness. "Then tell me, how do we cut ties completely?"
She was direct, wanting nothing more than to be strangers.
Norman pulled her aside. "Come with me outside. Don't bother Chelsea; she's pregnant and can't handle stress."
Aurelia couldn't resist as he dragged her away from the elevator. Just then, Ted from the Heilbronn family walked in with a nutrition box and spotted Aurelia. "Madam, is Reed awake?"
"He's still sleeping. Be quiet. Don't wake him," Aurelia replied.
Ted had been with the Heilbronn family for decades and was Reed's right-hand man. Everyone knew him, including Norman. Realizing he had misunderstood, Norman softened his tone. "Aurelia, don't leave yet; I have something to tell you."
Aurelia felt disgusted. Norman usually ignored her, preferring to use her for Chelsea's benefit. Now, he must need something from her.
"Say it now. Mr. Heilbronn's in the hospital; I don't have time for your nonsense," Aurelia said.
Norman thought, 'Mr. Heilbronn? How sweet! Your real grandfather is in the cemetery!'
Knowing he needed Aurelia's help with Chelsea and Nathaniel, Norman forced a smile. "Aurelia, I found a photo album your mother left. Maria was supposed to throw it away, but I saved it. I haven't had a chance to give it to you."
Aurelia's expression softened. "Where is it?"
"It's in my car. Come with me; it won't take long," Norman said.
'It was noon, and the hospital's parking lot was busy with people. There were securities and cameras everywhere. Norman wouldn't dare to harm me. Plus, mybodyguard from Uncle Marcus was nearby.' Aurelia was curious. She really wanted the photo album her mother left. It might have information about Samuel.
"Let's go," she said.
Norman saw she was willing to follow, thinking mentioning Brenda was the key. On the way, he talked about old times with Brenda, highlighting the happy moments until Aurelia was born.
Aurelia was intrigued by these stories; Norman had never shared them before. He was always away on business trips or with Chelsea and her mother, showing no concern for Aurelia, who was never really welcomed in the family.
She thought she might learn something about Samuel from Norman. He had known her mother for a long time and might have some inside information.
As they walked, each lost in their own thoughts, Aurelia decided to probe. "When you met my mother, did she have any relatives?"
Norman cleared his throat. "Your mother wasn't from the north, so she didn't have any relatives here."
Aurelia knew her mother wasn't from the north. She had vivid memories of her childhood with Brenda. Brenda was a sophisticated woman who dressed up even to take out the trash, always acting elegantly. Her inherent grace and aristocratic background shone through, even in the mundane aspects of married life.
Aurelia remembered Brenda don't like northern dishes and would often research recipes to make things she couldn't find in Imperick. Unfortunately, Brenda never talked in detail about her hometown, which made Aurelia curious. She never got the chance to ask before her mother passed away.
Aurelia's eyes showed a hint of sadness. "Where are my mother's relatives? Where was she from?" she asked.
Norman felt awkward. He was a man who valued his dignity. The startup capital he used back then was Brenda's private money, and she taught him the business principles he followed. Norman never wanted to admit he had relied on a woman to become successful. When he married Brenda, her family strongly opposed it, and Brenda cut ties with them for him. A high-born lady became a poor man's wife.
Norman never wanted his descendants to know about these past struggles. Now, as the CEO of a listed company, respected by thousands of employees who called him "President," he never wanted to look back on those bitter years.
With this in mind, Norman put on a stern face. "Your mother didn't have any relatives, and I don't know where she was from."
Aurelia felt disappointed and looked at Norman, still feeling he was lying.
Norman had talked so much about Brenda only to set the stage. His real goal was to convince Aurelia to divorce Nathaniel and help Chelsea.
So, Norman got to the point. "Aurelia, Nathaniel is not reliable. Listen to me and break up with him. Men can see through men the best; you won't have a good outcome with him."
Aurelia suddenly understood his intentions. He still wanted to persuade her to divorce Nathaniel for Chelsea's sake. His previous forceful tactics hadn't worked, so now he was trying to persuade her, treating her like a fool.
Feeling insulted, Aurelia decided to play along for now, afraid of not getting the photos. "Nathaniel is indeed not a good man. I've wanted to divorce him for a long time," she said.
At her words, Norman's face lit up. "I knew it. My daughter is not blind. There are plenty of good men in Imperick. Quickly divorce him, and don't waste your time. A woman's youth is only a few years; you must learn to plan for yourself."
Norman then asked, "Why don't you divorce him now? I will find you an excellent young man. My marketing manager is a good choice. He's honest and talented. When finding a man, it's best to choose an honest one. You can't control a man like Nathaniel."