But he was trusting.
He had no desire to interrogate a woman about her body.
He accepted medical privacy as important.
And Evelyn repeatedly assured him that Claire needed emotional space.
When he expressed concern about being excluded, his mother told him to be patient.
"Pregnancy can be overwhelming."
Daniel nodded.
"I know."
"Then stop making it about your comfort."
He looked ashamed.
He wanted to be supportive.
So he stopped asking questions as often.
Claire watched his trust become the very thing that protected her lie.
And each week, she hated herself more.
The false pregnancy served another purpose.
Evelyn began telling Daniel that the family needed to reorganize its assets before the baby arrived.
She recommended establishing a new family legacy structure.
The proposal combined several legitimate estate-planning ideas with provisions that would affect the family's control over Bennett House and certain investment entities.
Daniel initially resisted.
"Why now?"
Evelyn smiled.
"Because you have another child coming."
"We can set up a separate education trust."
"This is larger than education."
She opened a folder.
"Your father always intended the family properties to remain financially secure for future generations."
Daniel studied the documents.
Some provisions were reasonable.
Others were complicated.
His mother assured him the lawyers had reviewed them.
He asked for time.
She became irritated.
"Daniel, these documents have been prepared for months."
"Then another week shouldn't matter."
Evelyn's expression hardened.
"You're about to become a father again."
"I am already a father."
She looked away.
For a moment, he felt the familiar old frustration.
His mother had a way of speaking as though Sophie's place in the family became less important whenever Mara was involved.
He pushed the folder away.
"I'll have independent counsel review it."
Evelyn stared.
Then smiled carefully.
"Of course."
But after Daniel left, she called Claire.
Her voice was cold.
"He's hesitating."
Claire stood in her apartment holding the phone.
"About what?"
"The family restructuring."
"I thought you said that was being handled."
"It will be."
Claire looked toward the silicone prosthetic resting inside a garment bag.
For a moment, she felt nauseated.
"Evelyn, this has gone too far."
The older woman was silent.
Claire continued.
"He wants to attend the next appointment. Sophie's asking questions. I can't keep pretending forever."
Evelyn's voice sharpened.