Wendy was likely just bluffing now, trying to scare her off. While a paternity test could be done later via amniocentesis, that was for later. Right now, she had to force the Cross family to let her marry Ines. Once they were legally married, even if the truth came out, she'd be safe. At worst, it would be a messy divorce. With the Cross family's wealth, the settlement would be enough to live comfortably for the rest of her life. Thinking this, Kaia relaxed. She met Wendy's gaze defiantly. "Mrs. Cross, if you don't believe me, ask your son. Did he sleep with me? Did he not use protection?" Wendy's eyebrow twitched violently. She slammed her cup down on the table. What kind of crude, country bumpkin is this? How dare she speak so shamelessly!It only made her despise Kaia more. Despite her fury, Wendy knew the girl was probably telling the truth about that part. She knew her son's habits better than anyone. She'd dealt with similar situations twice before. Both times, the child had proven to be his. Useless brat. Fool around all you want, but how dare you knock someone up! Wendy crossed her arms, leaning back on the sofa. She looked down her nose at Kaia, then asked in a tone one might use to dismiss a beggar, "Alright. How much do you want?" It always comes down to money, doesn't it? Let's get this over with. Name your price. Girls from small households like hers never asked for much. Their vision was limited. Consider it charity. But to her surprise, Kaia didn't want money.With a pleading expression, she said, "I don't want money. I don't want my child to grow up without a father. So—I want you to agree to let me marry Ines!" Hearing the first part, Wendy thought the girl had finally come to her senses. The last sentence nearly made her faint from anger. What a joke! "Hah! You? Marry into our family? What is your status? Next time you speak, look in the mirror first!" Kaia clenched her jaw. "Mrs. Cross, I'm not from nowhere. I'm a daughter of the Lark family." Wendy looked at her suspiciously, mentally scrolling through all the prominent Lark families in their circles. She frowned. "Which Lark family?" "The one in the suburbs. In mining." Wendy remembered. She sneered, "I've met the Lark daughter. It's definitely not you. Do some homework before you lie next time." This girl is both stupid and wicked, daring to pull this stunt with me. The thought made Wendy feel sick. Kaia seethed with hatred. Her parents' favoritism made her want to scream. She was the real daughter, but they always brought Chloe to social events. Perfect. Now no one even recognized her. "No, it's true! I'm the real Lark heiress. The other one was adopted, she's a fake!" she explained urgently. But Wendy wouldn't believe her. She rolled her eyes. "If you're gonna lie, at least make it sound real. Only an idiot would fall for it." "Mrs. Cross, believe me! Call my father and ask!" "Enough. Even if it were true, it's useless. You know your family's standing. It's not a match for ours. Let's talk reality. How much money do you want?" "Fine. Then I want 50 million dollars!" Wendy's vision went dark. The coffee in her mouth almost sprayed out. "What? How much?"Kaia smiled sweetly, "Fifty million isn't much for the Cross family, right? Besides, I'm not asking for money out of nowhere. Think about it. I'm pregnant now. I'll need hired help, right? Prenatal care at a top private hospital. After birth, there's postnatal care. The child will need a private school, then study abroad. All that costs money." Seeing Wendy still stunned, she pressed on, "You might not know the current market. Education is so competitive now. I have to plan ahead for the child. After all, you wouldn't want your own grandchild to fall behind others, would you?" Slam! Wendy slammed her hand on the table, chest heaving. She pointed a trembling finger at Kaia. "You little gold-digger! Don't push your luck! I was asking how much you want to terminate the pregnancy, not for child support!" Kaia wasn't intimidated. The moment Wendy mentioned money, Kaia knew she'd already accepted, deep down, that the child was a Cross."Mrs. Cross, why force me to get rid of the baby? I know you and your husband long for a grandchild to spoil. Let me have this child, and you'll have exactly what you want." Wendy snorted, "What makes you think you're fit to bear the Cross heir? I advise you to take what's offered and leave. Otherwise, you'll end up with nothing!" Seeing the conversation going in circles, Kaia stopped arguing. She stood up, gently touching her belly. "Mrs. Cross, since you're not sincere, I'll go discuss this with your husband. I'm sure he'll be more reasonable and easier to talk to." She picked up her bag to leave. "Stop right there! If you dare go to my husband, you won't get a single cent from me!" Wendy growled through gritted teeth.