Chapter 1

I crushed the honey-lavender shortbread in my fist and dropped it into the trash.

I took several slow breaths before walking into the room.

The moment I saw the man's face, my heart jolted.

No wonder the voice had sounded so familiar.

It was Caleb Price, the scholarship student I'd supported for four years and personally mentored from an intern into a key member of Raleigh Industries' flagship project team.

I'd never imagined he and Vanessa knew each other. My wife had always looked down on almost everyone.

Yet here he was, comfortably inside her hospital room.

"What are you doing here?"

Caleb went pale and stumbled over his explanation.

"Everyone at the company heard Mrs. Raleigh was about to deliver, and they were worried. Since I work closely with you, I came on their behalf."

I nodded, walked to the bed, and sat down.

Vanessa was propped against the pillows, a faint trace of milk at the corner of her mouth.

There was milk around Caleb's lips too. When he noticed me looking, he hurriedly wiped it away.

Had they been kissing over a glass of milk?

Nausea rolled through me, but I kept my expression calm.

"Is that so?"

I raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Good thing my assistant called a moment ago. Otherwise, with how attentive you are, I might've mistaken you for the baby's father."

Every last bit of color drained from Caleb's face.

Vanessa immediately raised her voice to divert attention.

"Where's the shortbread I asked for? Briarwood Bakery is nearly two hours away. How did you get back so quickly?"

"They were sold out."

She bit her lip, and tears appeared on command.

"You came back empty-handed, and now you're making jokes like that in front of a guest!"

"Don't you love me anymore?"

My mother-in-law, Margaret, rushed forward and pointed a finger in my face.

"Childbirth can kill a woman! Instead of caring for your wife, you stand there making cruel little remarks!"

"Vanessa, maybe you shouldn't have this baby at all. He doesn't deserve to be a father!"

I watched them perform their rehearsed duet and laughed bitterly to myself.

Vanessa's sudden craving for pastries from a bakery two hours away had never been about the food. It was simply a way to send me out so Caleb could visit.

She wanted to tell him in person that I planned to transfer a substantial part of my estate to the baby without conditions.

They'd probably already decided that everything my family built would eventually belong to a Price.

Did a man who'd climbed out of poverty only because I funded his education honestly think he deserved it?

I lowered my gaze, hiding the coldness in my eyes, and softened my voice.

"Vanessa, don't overthink it. I was only teasing."

I tucked the blanket around her as gently as I always had.

"I already explained the paternity-test form. St. Briar Medical Center includes the optional screening in its new genetic-services program. Why would I ever suspect you?"

I took her hand. Her palm was warm, and my voice sounded completely sincere.

"We've been together for seven years. If I can't trust you, who can I trust?"

Only then did the tension slowly leave her face.

Margaret gave a cold snort.

"At least you still have some decency."

Caleb relaxed too and quickly forced a flattering smile.

"You and Mrs. Raleigh are so devoted to each other, Mr. Raleigh. It's honestly enviable."

"The office still needs me, so I should probably go."

"Why the hurry?"

Caleb stopped midstep.

I leaned back in the chair and spoke at an unhurried pace.

"Caleb, I funded your education and helped you build your career. I've always treated you like a younger brother.

"You've eaten at my table, lived in an apartment I arranged, and built your career at my company. At this point, you're practically family."

The smile froze on Caleb's face.

"Mr. Raleigh, what are you getting at?"

I glanced at Vanessa's swollen belly and answered casually.

"Since you care so much, why not organize the baby celebration? I'm counting on you to make it unforgettable."