**Harvey Manor**


    Early in the morning, the Harvey family of three sat together in their elegant dining room, enjoying breakfast.


    "Is that kid still not up? Isn''t he going to eat?" Mrs. Harvey asked gracefully while sipping her tea, casting a sidelong nce at her daughter, Giselle, who was equally poised.


    She was referring to Adrian.


    Last night, Lysander had unexpectedly sent his child over to stay with them. Though surprised, they quickly epted it. Lysander''s trust was a significant advantage for them.


    "Mom, don''t worry about him," Giselle replied nonchntly. "He spent the whole night ying video games and can''t get up this early. Once he wakes up, I''ll have the maid prepare something for him."


    Mrs. Harvey reminded her, "You need to be attentive. Adrian is Lysander''s only child now, and you can''t be careless."


    "I know," Giselle assured her with a soft smile, her eyes sparkling with ambition. "Adrian adores me, far more than his own mother. As the rightful heir to the Montgomery family, his status is invaluable. If I win him over and considering Lysander''s feelings for me, securing the Montgomery legacy is within reach."


    Charles, Giselle''s father, set down his coffee cup, his expression serious. "But remember, he''s still someone else''s child. Once you marry Lysander-or better yet, why not work on getting pregnant now? Having your own Montgomery heir would secure your ce. Then Adrian can be sidelined."


    Lowering her gaze, Giselle nodded slightly, "I understand, Dad."


    "Are you sure you have Lysander''s confidence?" Charles pressed, frowning with concern. "He hasn''t been staying around muchtely."


    "Don''t worry, Dad." Giselle exuded confidence. "Lysander and I have known each other for years. He trusts me. He even set up a new subsidiary for me upon my return and now sent his son to stay with us. It''s only a matter of time."


    "Make it happen soon," Charles urged, before asking, "By the way, weren''t you working on getting in touch with that top Al talent from Feloria, the Forest Team?"


    "Yes," Giselle affirmed.


    "Have they returned? Do you have a n?" Charles inquired.


    "They''ll be back in a few days," Giselle exined. "My professor has connections with their mentor, so there''s a good chance we''ll secure a meeting."


    "Good, arrange an introduction for me as well," Charles instructed directly.


    Giselle paused, surprised. "Dad, you''re interested in coborating with the Forest Team too?"


    "The nation has invested heavily in Al research in recent years, but we''ve hit a technical ceiling. Bringing a team of their caliber back is a significant opportunity. They''re highly sought after, especially with their top-notch algorithm. If I can secure a personal coboration, it could give me a substantial career boost, which would be invaluable for the Harvey family."


    "I understand, Dad. I''ll do my best," Giselle promised.


    "Good."


    After breakfast, Charles left for the day. Before leaving, he gave onest directive.


    "Whatever it takes, securing things with Lysander is crucial. Since he trusts you now, find a way to get pregnant. Use any means necessary. The Montgomery family will have no choice but to ept it."


    With those words, Charles departed.


    As soon as he was gone, the smile on Giselle''s face faded considerably.


    Noticing her change in demeanor, Mrs. Harvey gently patted her daughter''s back, offering quiet words offort.


    "Your father means well. A marriage alliance with the Montgomerys offers


    unimaginable benefits—not just for our family but for your own future as well. Besides, you''ve always had feelings for Lysander, and he for you. You''re a perfect match, if only..."


    "Mom, I know, but it still makes me angry."


    Giselle managed a smile, though her beautiful eyes were filled with a twisted sense of resentment.