Andrew Lane rested a reassuring hand on Isabella Austin's back, gently patting her. "Take it easy," he said, "try not to get too worked up."

Isabella nodded, wriggling out of his arms to take the ultrasound report. She studied the image carefully, eyes fixed on the black-and-white printout.

Suddenly, Isabella looked up at Emily Blair. "Emily, look at this. That's my baby."

Emily barely glanced at the report before returning her gaze elsewhere. Her voice was flat. “Congratulations on becoming a mom.”

There was a glimmer of mischief—almost a challenge—in Isabella's eyes, though her smile remained sweet and serene. "Emily, would you be my baby's godmother?"

Emily's brows shot up, her mouth answering before her mind could catch up.

"No."

"Absolutely not."

The "no" came from Emily; the "absolutely not" from Andrew.

Hearing Andrew's refusal, Emily didn't feel hurt—just relieved.

The moment Isabella made her offer, Emily's instincts screamed that Isabella was setting another trap, laying bait she had no intention of taking. And now that Andrew himself had shot down the idea, Emily could finally relax.

She hurried to reinforce it, not wanting Andrew to change his mind. "Mr. Lane has already said no, Ms. Austin. Let's just leave it at that."

Isabella shot Andrew a coy little smile, lowering her voice. "Alright then."

Andrew dropped Isabella off outside her apartment. Before getting out, Emily leaned in, her smile bright and voice sugary sweet. "Congratulations, Mr. Lane. You're going to be a father."

She slammed the door before Andrew could reply.

It all suddenly made sense to Emily. Now that Isabella was pregnant, Andrew would have to focus on her and the baby. That meant he'd have less time to look into Elizabeth Wilson, which gave Emily the space and time she needed to win Elizabeth

over.

With this realization, the tightness in her chest eased. Her steps felt lighter as she made her way inside.

The Lane Family.

Andrew had taken Isabella to a hospital owned by the Lane family, and word of Isabella's pregnancy and her checkup with Andrew quickly made its way to Kevin Lane.

Kevin was overjoyed.

A precious great-grandchild-how could he not be thrilled? And, for now at least, the mother was a woman he could approve of.

That night, Kevin waited at the gates of the Lane Estate, craning his neck to watch the line of passing cars.

When he spotted Andrew's car approaching, his eyes lit up. He moved toward it with a speed he hadn't shown in years.

The car stopped, and Andrew was the first to step out. He circled around and carefully helped Isabella out of the car.

Watching Andrew's cautious movements, Kevin's last bit of doubt vanished.

He burst out laughing, his voice booming. "Help her inside, quickly! The first trimester is always the most delicate-she needs to be especially careful."

Isabella rested her hand lightly on Andrew's arm, blushing deeply and walking even more gingerly at Kevin's words.

Kevin glanced around, suddenly realizing the garden lights weren't bright enough. He called over a housekeeper, insisting they shine a flashlight to guide Isabella's way.

After much careful escorting and nervous hovering, Isabella finally made it safely into the Lane Estate, the whole household holding its breath.

Kevin eagerly reviewed Isabella's test results, his eyes crinkling with delight as he looked at her utterly, completely satisfied.