Chapter 293: Acting So Odd

Aiden spoke with a resigned expression. Known for his playful nature, he put the phone on speaker so everyone could hear.

"It's like this," Yvonne said hesitantly. "I need a prenatal checkup, but my father isn't available. Could you come with me? You know my pregnancy is a bit risky."

Her request surprised everyone. It would have been understandable if she and Aiden were close, but they weren't.

Aiden was speechless. He stuck his tongue out at Ines, then said, "No, you're the dangerous one. I should keep my distance. If something goes wrong, it'll ruin my father's happiness of having a son. The blame will fall on me. I have no desire for competition. You should find someone else to avoid suspicion. That way, we'll both be at ease."

He covered the phone, turning to the group. "Is she trying to compete with me?"

They weren't sure. Strange things happened in wealthy families, so it wasn't entirely unbelievable. Yvonne seemed to have no relatives, making her request for Aiden's help—as the young master of the family—somewhat justifiable. Roland mouthed, "Is it your dad's idea?"

Sure enough, Yvonne said, "It was your father's idea."

Elaine gave Roland a thumbs-up; he shrugged. Isabella looked at Roland admiringly. "As expected of a cop," she said. "His reaction time is so quick, even faster than Alexander's!"

Alexander, somewhat aggrieved, looked at his wife. He wanted to show off but wasn't boastful. Seeing her admire Roland made him jealous. Aiden pouted upon hearing this. "I don't care whose idea it is. Does she think I'm that free?"

Just as he was about to refuse, Yvonne's voice, tinged with sadness, said, "Regardless, this child is your kin. Don't you care at all?"

Aiden felt a chill. Isabella furrowed her brows. "Goodness. If someone didn't know any better, they'd think she wasn't talking about Aiden's half-sibling, but his own child! What's up with her? She's acting rather odd."

Elaine looked like she was about to be sick. Ines felt uncomfortable.

"Why would I care when he'd fight for the family fortune and my father's love? Rest assured, I'm not—"

"I-I didn't mean that," Yvonne stammered, quickly regaining her composure. "How could this child possibly compete with you? Don't worry, it will never happen. I'm just not feeling well. I hope you can help me, just this once. Is that okay?"

The more Yvonne acted this way, the more Aiden suspected a trap. Just as he was about to refuse, Ines gently pulled him. Yvonne's words had clearly upset Ines, but she was still concerned about the potential sibling. Aiden had said he wouldn't mind siblings as long as they were well-behaved. Ines remembered Yvonne's careful handling of her pregnancy, and believed she might genuinely need help. With Ralph unavailable, she likely wanted someone to support her. Ines mouthed, "We'll do this together."

Aiden, after a moment's thought, affectionately stroked Ines' head. He mouthed, "Whatever you say, honey." Ines smiled.

Aiden agreed to help over the phone, then hung up. By the time Deborah arrived, Ines and Aiden were gone. The others were discussing the upcoming Burke family wedding and Yvonne. Deborah was surprised they weren't gossiping about the earlier events.

"You're all actually discussing this instead?" she exclaimed.

Elaine, joining the group, said brazenly, "We've grown accustomed to gossip. No matter how explosive the news, it's just another day for us. So, how's it going, future half-member of the Winters family?"

Deborah said she was leaving. Roland asked if Damien was coming out. Before Deborah could explain the need for a family discussion, police sirens wailed outside. Ava and Oliver were being escorted away, struggling. A new family of three stood at the doorstep, saying goodbye to their former persecutor.

Naturally, the group worried about Damien. His expression was strained, but his pride prevented him from showing weakness. They said goodbye and left.

"Are you really going to become Mdm. Lydia's goddaughter, Deborah?" Elaine asked. "That would make you Damien's godsister, right? Whether fiancée or godsister, you have a bond with him. Why don't you two just get together?"

Deborah looked unsure. Isabella grinned. "It's one thing when I didn't know about Damien's background. Now, it's hilarious how Damien's crush has become his godsister."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Based on what I know, once this is settled, he'll pursue her if she's single. Though, I don't know if she'll go along with it."

Deborah said, "Stop joking. I completed the family task on my own terms. Why on earth would I go to jail?"

"You truly are my pal," Elaine laughed. "Even though our temperaments are worlds apart, our views on marriage are the same. Marriage is like a prison."

Isabella sarcastically agreed. Everyone looked at her, then at Alexander with suspicion. He tugged at his wife's sleeve. She realized her mistake. "A happy marriage is not!" she added.