"But only if she leaves Cindy alone."
"Claire's right. Things are different for her now. She can't keep living like a princess in our house forever."
“It's better for her to start learning now than to be completely clueless later.”
Pandora glanced over at Octavia. "Octavia makes a good point."
"Don't worry, I'll do my best," Claire said to Octavia, flashing a warm smile.
Octavia felt her words catch in her throat. She'd wanted to remind Claire that she wasn't the James family's heiress anymore, to make her see where she stood now. But Claire accepted it so easily, and somehow, that made Octavia even more uncomfortable.
"Alright, let's eat," Pandora said, bringing the conversation to an end.
"It's just simple country food. I hope Dane doesn't mind," Pandora said, turning to their guest.
Dane just said, "I don't mind."
Pandora noticed how different Baldrick's grandson was. He wasn't nearly as chatty. He didn't have a way with words either. She remembered how Baldrick used to say the sweetest things to his wife. He could have filled a whole book with them.
“Latham, Octavia, you both already had breakfast, right? Want a little more?" Claire asked, glancing at them.
Octavia shook her head right away. "I'm good."
Latham, on the other hand, wanted to get close to Dane. He walked over and sat down at the table. "I'll try one of these pancakes. They say whole grains are healthier now anyway."
Claire sipped her porridge, took a bite of pancake, and nibbled on some pickles. It was honestly delicious. Patti really knew how to cook.
Latham kept trying to steer the conversation toward business, but Dane skillfully sidestepped every attempt.
Claire suddenly remembered the James family did have a project that needed investment. Latham must know who Dane is. He was obviously after his money.
But if Latham was this desperate, it probably meant nobody else thought the project would succeed.
After breakfast, Claire finally asked Dane, "Did you sleep okay last night?"
As soon as Claire started talking, Cindy's eyes darted between the two of them.
How could Dane and Claire act so familiar after just one night in the countryside?
Cindy tried hard not to look at
Dane's face, but she couldn't stop herself Dane, are you not used
staying out here?"
Dane didn't bother looking at Cindy. He only replied to Claire. “I slept really well. Thanks for the tea."
Claire raised her eyebrows. "You
should
hank my grandma. If
told me to I wouldn't
it for you."
FindNovel.net
"You're right. I should thank Pandora," Dane agreed with a nod.
"Are you and your grandpa staying in Apex for long? I'm going with them
for
DNA test this mornin hemel
him this afternoon.
free to visit him th
be
"We'll probably stay for a while, depending on how Baldrick's doing."
He wasn't sure how long they'd be there, but if Baldrick's health got better, they'd stick around for his treatment.
Latham picked up on it. Baldrick was in Apex for medical care and would be staying for a bit.
"Dane, do you know your way around Apex? Have you sorted out where you're staying?"
“If · f you haven't, I'd be happy to help arrange something."
At last, Latham saw his chance to score some points.
Dane was quick to shut him down. "No need. I've got it covered."
“With this whole mix-up, our families are basically one now."
"A friend of Pandora's is a friend of the James family."
"If you need anything, seriously, just let me know."
"You're being too polite, Latham," Dane replied. It was obvious he wasn't interested
in getting any closer.