Was he angry about Lacy Knighton? From Aaron's perspective, he probably suspected they were plotting against him. Graydon wouldn't truly help that boorish woman, but Aaron didn't know that.

"If this is about Lacy Knighton, she's just a pawn—not even a useful one. I have no intention of helping her," he said lazily, waving his hand.

"I don't care what you do with that woman. Stay away from my wife."

Graydon sighed. Their first interaction hadn't gone well. Aaron was furious.

"As you wish. I do hope you'll reconsider. We have much in common; a friendship would benefit us both."

"Hand me the phone," Aaron said, his tone deadly.

Graydon obeyed, returning the phone to Keeley, who seemed relieved. She whispered reassurances into the phone—that she was fine and going home—before hanging up.

"Are you happy now?" she asked wearily.

"Quite."

It wasn't entirely true. The conversation had been unsatisfactory, but at least he'd heard Aaron's voice clearly for the first time. He seemed more real now.

Graydon stood and gave her a charming smile. "It was a pleasure seeing you again. I'm sure we'll be in touch."

He wouldn't let them go. He'd find a way to win them over.

He'd gone about half a block when Keeley cautiously left the café. Getting into a black car, her defensiveness suddenly made sense: she was obviously pregnant.

Graydon couldn't tell how far along she was, but it didn't matter. Alistair was particular about who entered his family. He wouldn't accept Aaron's child with an ordinary woman. The baby was in danger.

No wonder Aaron was so overprotective! Thinking Graydon was an enemy, he naturally wouldn't want him near his wife and child.

Lacy Knighton tapped him angrily on the shoulder. Had she seen? Did she know?

"Hello, I've been trying to get your attention," she said irritably.

"Lacy, what are you doing here?" he asked, less pleasantly than usual. This revelation was too shocking; he had no time for her.

"My father said Aaron's fiancée will be out of the country for a few more months. Now's the time to try and get him!" She frowned, noticing his distraction. "What were you staring at?"

"Nothing."

Forget Alistair; if Lacy knew Keeley was pregnant with Aaron's child, she'd become a feral animal. She'd already drugged Keeley for lunching with him at school. What would she do knowing they were married?

Graydon had once envied Aaron's life as a Hale. Now he wouldn't trade places for anything.

No wonder Aaron had left high society. He wanted peace with his family. Graydon, a child without a home, had once dreamed the same. Now, his ambition was crushing those who'd taken his family from him.

"Was that Keeley Hall? She's gained weight," Lacy said with disgust. "What a loser."

Was she that stupid? The weight was on her perfectly rounded stomach. Only pregnant women looked like that. He knew she wasn't bright, but could she be that dense?

He got his answer ten seconds later. A look of dawning realization crossed her face. "She's pregnant. You don't think it's Aaron's, do you?"

"Ridiculous," Graydon said derisively. "He's madly in love with his fiancée. At best, they're acquaintances who happened to be at the same wedding. I saw Keeley with her boyfriend the other day."

He was a boy, and her former friend. It counted. He couldn't let Lacy discover the truth. They might not trust him, but this was the least he could do for Aaron and his wife.

Lacy, having no reason to doubt him, cooled down. She clung to Graydon's arm as they walked back to his office, babbling about drugging Aaron at his mother's Christmas party.

Nice try. He bet his fortune Aaron would be home with his wife. She wouldn't get the chance.

Keeley, exhausted from her encounter with Graydon Meyer, fell asleep shortly after arriving home. She barely changed before turning on a Christmas movie and falling asleep.

Aaron found her asleep on the couch, under blankets and the cats. She was alright. He could breathe again.

Hearing Graydon's voice on the phone had nearly given him a heart attack. He'd been certain Graydon was involved in Keeley's death. Why was he chatting with her now? And he dared to claim he had nothing against them!

He wasn't happy. He'd been ready to demand an explanation until he saw her peaceful sleeping face. This probably wasn't her fault.

She hadn't purposely sought him out. She'd done her best. At least he didn't seem to know she was pregnant. Aaron was sure he would have mentioned it on the phone if he had.

Why had he seemed so happy to talk to him? Graydon seemed to actually like him and genuinely want to be his friend.

At least it was over. Keeley survived unscathed.

Aaron sat beside her, gently brushing her hair away from her face before kissing her forehead. All that mattered was that she was okay. (The final sentence about a website is removed as it's out of place and likely an advertisement.)