This time, Penelope felt a rising sense of panic. "Don't say such things..."

Asher gripped her hand firmly and locked eyes with her. "Uncle, I need to confess something."

"Asher!"

"The child in her womb is not mine."

Asher chuckled, his embarrassment evident. "We lied to you. Grandmother is pressuring me to get married, and I just couldn't handle it."

Warren stood up, his expression turning gloomy. "Do you understand the gravity of what you're saying?"

"I do."

"How do you plan to explain this to your grandmother?"

"I'll keep lying to her until we get caught."

"Then why are you telling me the truth?"

Asher, with his businessman's mindset,...