?Chapter 248:


    Katrina cast a sidelong nce at Caiden’s detached expression, her eyes drifting to his phone screen, where a photo of Dani was prominently disyed. She stayed quiet for a moment, the faintest flicker of calction shing in her gaze.


    Since theirst heated exchange, Caiden had be a different man—aloof and disengaged, barely sparing a word for her or Joyce. Even their moments of intimacy had lost their warmth; he would pull away almost immediately. It was obvious that he had some hidden agenda.


    His once palpable excitement for Joyce’s pregnancy had faded, reced with a cold indifference. Could he be shifting his reliance to Dani instead? That simply wouldn’t do.


    Katrina had spent decades scheming for the Harper family fortune. There was no way she would let Dani swoop in and im the prize. She needed Caiden to view Dani as untrustworthy and realize that she and Joyce were the ones he could truly depend on.


    Katrina’s lips curved into a measured smile as shedled soup into Joyce’s bowl and settled beside her.


    “Joyce, have you given any thought to the baby’sst name?”


    Without missing a beat, Joyce replied, “Of course, it’ll be Bet. This child will be with me when I marry. It’s my first, and you can see how much Alexander already cares about it. He’ll adore this baby just as much.” That had been Katrina’s n all along. Joyce would marry into the Bet family, taking the Harper family’s assets with her. Over time, those assets would pass to her child.


    However, as the Bet family’s influence waned, Katrina began rethinking the inheritance and the child’s role in it.


    “The child should carry the Harper name instead,” she proposed.


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    Joyce and Caiden both turned to Katrina, startled by her suggestion.


    Katrina’s smile softened as her eyes settled on Joyce.


    “Joyce, You’re not Caiden’s biological daughter. It was me who brought you into this family. But all these years, he’s done nothing but treat you with kindness. Raising a child is no small task, and you owe him your gratitude. Without his support, you wouldn’t have thefortable life you enjoy today. Do you see that?”


    Joyce blinked, confused by the sudden shift in Katrina’s tone.


    “When I first joined the Harper family, I made a promise to Dani, in front of the media, that I wouldn’t have any more children to avoid upsetting her. But over time, Caiden has regretted that decision, and Peyton has voiced his displeasure, saying our branch of the family has lost its importance. Caiden has always cared for you, Joyce. So, I propose that this child takes the Harper name. It would be a part of the Harper legacy, strengthening the family, and also show gratitude to Caiden for all he’s done for you. What do you think?”


    Joyce was left speechless, her mind racing. When she nced at Caiden, his eyes sparkled with hope and happiness. After a moment of thought, she finally nodded.


    “Alright.”


    It was the most peaceful day the family had known since the sh between Caiden and Katrina.


    At lunch, Caiden eagerly volunteered to go home and cook for Joyce.


    Katrina stood by the hospital window, her gaze fixed on Caiden as he walked away. Only when he was out of sight did she finally sit down, a smug smile creeping onto her face.


    Joyce wasn’tpletely naive—she had noticed the growing distance between herself and Caiden in recent days.


    “Mom, does the baby really need to take the Harper name?”


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