Her teary eyes and display of vulnerability would easily arouse the protective instincts of any man.

Iker would have been deceived once more if he had not already known the truth.

Everyone in his family, including himself, was excited for the arrival of the child. He even resolved himself to stop dwelling on the past now that he was going to be a parent.

The time had come for him to start a family.

He intended to prepare the child to take over the company someday.

However, it turned out that everything was just an elaborate hoax. If his grandparents found out about it, they would probably be furious.

Adaline shuddered at the hostility she sensed coming from Iker. What was wrong with him? Why was he staring at her so menacingly?

After a while, though, Iker regained his composure. He put a gentle smile on his face and said, “It's nothing. I was just asking.

Continue what you're doing."

“ALL right." Adaline stared at him thoughtfully before shrugging, deciding not to think too much about it.

Meanwhile, their unusual exchange did not go unnoticed by Helga. She was one of the very few people who knew about the truth of Adaline's pregnancy.

While everyone was enjoying the food, Helga escorted Adaline to the restroom to discreetly inquire about Iker's change in demeanor.

Her daughter was finally set to marry into the Lewis family, so she would not allow anything to go wrong.

Adaline told her what happened.

"Is he having doubts about your child?" Helga whispered. "That's impossible. If that was really the case, he'd have reservations about marrying you. Maybe he just doesn't fully believe you yet."

“What should I do, then?" Adaline clutched Helga's hand anxiously.

“What should I do if Iker is really suspecting me of lying? What should I do if, after the baby is born, he requests a paternity test?"

She dared not consider the repercussions she might receive.

She would be in a lot of trouble if Iker found out she had lied to him.

Helga thought for a while before stating firmly, "In that case, you'll have to abort the child."

"What? You want me to abort the child? But they're looking forward to its birth. If this child dies, they will hate me for losing it!"

“That's why, not only should you get rid of the baby, but you should also make people feel bad for you." Helga ran her fingers through her daughter's hair as she whispered, "It'll be a different story if someone else becomes responsible for your child's death."

Realization spread across Adaline's face.

She grinned and chirped, "Mom, you're so clever!"