Chapter 292: I Am Getting Confused

Everyone was initially engrossed in lively gossip, but Alexander's antics silenced them all. He was becoming increasingly unrecognizable. They then looked at Isabella, who remained impassive, seemingly oblivious. How long ago had she been the one madly infatuated with Alexander? Had the tables truly turned? Given their current state, a wedding announcement seemed likely.

Speaking of weddings, Roland and Elaine exchanged sympathetic glances toward Aiden. They found it hard to imagine Isabella attending any event without sparking gossip. Aiden seemed to sense this, yet remained relaxed. He playfully hooked his arm around Ines, grinning, "Next time there's gossip, it'll probably be at my place. Who knows what excitement awaits us there?" Ines playfully tapped him. "Can you not be like that? Behave yourself."

Aiden continued, "It all depends on whether they behave themselves. Anyway, I have doubts about the newcomer's pregnancy. I wonder if the child is really my younger brother's. Isabella could help verify this. If Isabella gets involved, the truth will come out. Am I some sort of human lie detector? You should see a doctor!"

Alexander glared at Aiden, clearly displeased with the discussion about his wife. Aiden offered an apologetic smile.

"What? Your dad's new wife is pregnant?" Elaine asked, surprised.

Roland shared her astonishment.

Aiden chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "So, you guys think something's fishy too? It was a natural conception, not IVF. It's not that I disrespect her; it's just unbelievable." Isabella's eyes lit up; she already knew, having inadvertently discovered it through her gossip access.

The Burke family adheres to the belief that "the more sons, the more blessings." More sons equate to greater family contribution and a larger share of the wealth. This explains Aiden's father, Ralph's, numerous brothers—over a dozen, the youngest only a few years older than Aiden.

Influenced by this, Ralph also favored large families, even competing with his siblings. Shortly after Aiden's birth, he impregnated his wife again. The rushed pregnancy, following insufficient recovery from the previous birth, led to complications; both mother and child perished, leaving Aiden motherless.

When Alexander first met Aiden, he was a troubled youth seemingly lacking parental guidance. Growing up without a mother and with a father preoccupied with remarriage and more children, his status as "eldest grandson" felt more like neglect than privilege. Ralph never had more children after that, a doctor revealing his naturally low fertility. Ironically, his mother had been remarkably fertile. Now in his fifties, even a fertile partner would struggle to conceive. No wonder Aiden is skeptical.

Isabella, having never met Ralph's new wife, Yvonne Hawkins, could only analyze based on limited information. Aiden continued venting, "Ines and I met her. She's our age, seems gentle, and was kind to us. She didn't seem aggressive, even eager to please. But honestly, what decent person gets involved with my dad? She's a secretary who climbed the ladder, ousting her predecessor. I've lost count of his wives. Without prenuptial agreements, he'd be penniless!"

Ines momentarily looked bewildered. This was unusual; her usual sweet demeanor rarely showed distress or confusion. Isabella and Alexander noticed immediately. Alexander generally avoided others' affairs, but Isabella loved gossip. Seeing Ines's expression, she sensed something was amiss.

Isabella realized Ines had mixed feelings about Yvonne. While finding Yvonne pleasant and gentle, Yvonne had made a cryptic comment to Ines during their first meal together, regarding Aiden's marriage proposal. This piqued Alexander's curiosity.

Was Yvonne, because of her pregnancy, viewing Aiden as a rival and asserting dominance over Ines? Yvonne had said, "Though marriage traditionally values matching social status, it seems harsh to bind someone already pitiful with a marital alliance. If you truly love him, set him free. When I marry into the Burke family, I'll ensure the next generation chooses their partners. I hope they find true happiness and genuine love. I hope you find someone who truly loves you."

Alexander was dumbfounded. He admitted even he found it baffling; it sounded like the criticism of a marital alliance from someone unfamiliar with high society. But how could she be so sure they weren't in a relationship of their own free will?

Isabella watched Aiden and Ines; their affection was undeniable. Did Yvonne have poor judgment, or was there a hidden motive? No wonder Ines's first impressions were conflicting. However, there was little to worry about; Aiden and Ines rarely interacted with the elder family. After the wedding, they planned to go abroad.

Two reasons prevented their marriage. First, Ralph's recurring scandals; second, the Deleons' protectiveness of their daughter. Isabella knew the reasons through the Gossip System, but considered it Ines's private matter, choosing to remain discreet. As long as the couple was happy, it didn't matter. They were twenty-eight; marriage was likely imminent.

Aiden continued talking, unconcerned about family fortunes. He just wanted Ines; he was content with love, lacking ambition. A call interrupted him.

"Hello, is this Aiden? It's me."

A young woman's voice. Aiden was taken aback. "Who are you?"

The woman sounded hurt. "You don't even want to save my number? I'm Yvonne Hawkins."

Aiden was perplexed. "Ms. Hawkins? Why are you calling? Is my dad looking for me?"