"Isabella, my dear."

The sound of that endearment made Isabella Austin's heart leap with joy.

It was the first time Kevin Lane had ever addressed her so intimately.

A warm flush spread through her chest-was this his way of truly accepting her?

Kevin Lane shot Andrew Lane a sharp look. "This is Andrew's fault. Nothing had even been settled, and now look at the mess we're in."

Isabella was quick to interject. “Please, don't blame him. I made this decision too."

Kevin's eyes softened, clearly pleased to see her stand up for Andrew.

"No need to make excuses for him. I know exactly what this rascal is like."

He straightened, his tone turning firm but not unkind. "Since you're now expecting a Lane child, it's time to set some things in order. Rest assured, the Lane family takes care of its own. Anything you're owed, you'll get."

He paused, considering her. "Andrew was careless in how he handled things, so we'll make it up to you. We'll bring in a professional nutritionist to look after your health. For now, just stay here and focus on your wellbeing-Andrew will handle everything else. All I want is for you to have a safe and healthy delivery."

Kevin's gaze lingered on her, appraising. "And I think the eighteenth of next month is an auspicious day. You two should get your marriage license by then."

Isabella's throat tightened as she listened, her hand unconsciously clenching in her lap.

She glanced at Andrew, her voice barely above a whisper. "Andrew..."

He met her gaze with steady reassurance, his voice low and gentle. "Let's do as Grandfather says."

Tears welled up in Isabella's eyes, stinging her nose with their suddenness.

She could hardly believe it—the thing she'd wanted, longed for, was suddenly hers for the taking.

She had succeeded.

Kevin Lane chuckled, his laughter warm. "No need for tears. You're part of the Lane family now, and you'll have a good life here. We never let a woman who marries in feel neglected."

Isabella wiped her tears and nodded earnestly. "Thank you, Grandfather. I truly appreciate it."

She looked at Andrew, her eyes still shining. "Thank you, too, Andrew."

Andrew slipped an arm around her shoulders, his usual reserved tone unexpectedly gentle. "Let me help you upstairs for some rest."

Isabella couldn't help but smile through her tears at the way Andrew treated her, as if she were something precious and rare.

"Andrew, you don't have to be so cautious. I'm just pregnant, not an invalid."

He gave her a resigned look. "Still, we can't be too careful."

She laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Alright, I'll be careful. And you need to stop worrying."

After a nourishing meal prepared by the Lane family's housekeeper, Isabella settled onto the soft bed in the guest room, a sense of security finally taking root in her heart.

Her hand drifted to her belly, gently caressing the flat plane beneath her clothes. A slow smile crept across her lips.

Who would have thought that this mysterious child-whose origins she herself

barely understood would become her key into the Lane family?

Everything she had once thought unattainable was now within her grasp because of this baby.

She couldn't hide her smile, no matter how hard she tried.

But gradually, the smile faded.

She knew the truth-this child wasn't Andrew Lane's. Wasn't a Lane at all.

She was only here because Kevin Lane believed the baby she carried was his family's heir.

If Kevin Lane ever discovered the truth-that the child wasn't a Lane-

Just the thought sent a chill down Isabella's spine, dread prickling beneath her skin.

She couldn't let Kevin Lane find out. She couldn't let anyone know.

Never.