Chapter 1

Serena's expression shifted the moment she heard me.

She reached out and blocked my path.

"Adrian, what exactly do you mean?"

I stopped.

"The engagement is canceled.

"The agreement is void."

Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table.

"This is the Carter-Sutton engagement banquet.

"All our guests are here. So is the press.

"If you back out now, have you thought about what both families will lose?"

I glanced at her stomach.

"You're carrying Lucas Grant's child.

"You expect me to give him my name.

"And you want that child to inherit both the Carter and Sutton families.

"Now you're asking me about losses?"

Lucas walked over with a wineglass in hand.

"Mr. Carter, Serena is still willing to marry you.

"She's even willing to let the child take your surname.

"That's already more than generous to the Carter family.

"You're a man.

"Can't you be a little more generous?"

Serena's cousin Miles Sutton joined in.

"It's only raising Serena's child.

"The Carter family has more money than it can spend.

"Are you really going to fight over one child's inheritance?"

I looked at him.

"You're right."

A smile began to form on his face.

Then I added, "Your branch doesn't have much inheritance to divide anyway."

His expression darkened.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

I glanced at the drink in his hand.

"Nothing.

"I just think you're very enthusiastic.

"You can't even get a seat at the head table, but you're already carving the turkey for the people who do."

His expression soured.

"Adrian, this is your engagement banquet with Serena.

"Don't think being the Carter heir means you can treat the Sutton family however you want."

At last, Serena's father, Charles Sutton, set down his teacup.

"Adrian.

"The Sutton family prepared this agreement in advance.

"You'll be listed as the child's father.

"The inheritance rights of both families will pass to him.

"That arrangement benefits everyone."

Serena's mother, Helen Sutton, nodded quickly.

"Serena is already seven months pregnant.

"If you pull out now, what are she and the baby supposed to do?"

I looked toward my parents at the head table.

My mother, Laura Carter, had gone pale.

Clearly, this was the first time she'd learned the baby had another father.

My father, George Carter, said nothing.

He only tightened his grip around his wineglass until it gave a faint creak.

I shook my head slightly.

I would handle this.

Dad looked at me and tapped one finger against the tabletop.

It was the same gesture he used during board meetings when he was waiting for me to make the call.

Mom didn't stop me either.

She simply moved her handbag closer to her side.

Neither of them asked a question.

Their position was already obvious.

Serena mistook their silence for pressure on me.

She rested a hand protectively over her stomach.

Her eyes reddened.

"Adrian, I know this is difficult for you.

"But I'm not forcing you.

"Once the baby is born, he'll take your surname.

"He'll inherit both families.

"Isn't that the best outcome for everyone?"

Lucas came to stand beside her.

"Mr. Carter, Serena is still giving you a chance.

"You're a man.

"Are you really unwilling to take even this much responsibility for a child?"

I looked at him.

"The child is yours.

"The agreement was drafted by your side.

"And now that it's time for my signature, you're talking to me about responsibility?"

One of Serena's aunts frowned.

"Adrian, don't go too far.

"The child in Serena's stomach is Sutton blood.

"One day, the businesses of both families should naturally pass to him."

I tapped the inside pocket of my jacket.

"Sutton blood has nothing to do with the Carter family."

The entire ballroom went still.

Serena's fingers slowly curled.

I stopped looking at her.

Instead, my gaze moved to the far corner of the room.

A young woman sat there in a pale dress.

She was so quiet she almost disappeared into the background.

A project report had been set beside her and forgotten. No one had asked her about it; no one even seemed to notice her.

Clara Sutton.

Serena's younger cousin.

I walked toward her.

She looked up when she realized I was coming.

She blushed instantly.

I stopped in front of her.

"Clara."

She answered softly.

"Yes?"

I glanced back at the Sutton relatives gathered around the head table.

"I'm thinking of giving you a very large gift.

"Want it?"