Padgett gave Edison a once-over, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Looks like all the kids from the James family are something else."
Back in the day, Agassi had managed to steal Melissa away, and now here was Edison, just as smooth and clever. The more Padgett thought about the James family, the more intrigued he became. Maybe it was time to track down Baldrick for another chat. After all, James Village was where Baldrick had once been sent as a young man. With the Green family's connections, getting stationed there had to mean the place was special.
"You're too kind, really," Edison replied. Normally, he had a bit of a rebellious edge, but in front of Padgett he was all manners, polite and proper. He looked every inch the well-bred heir.
Padgett couldn't quite wrap his head around it. If the James family was so
established, why did Agassi go around acting like a broke student back then? Of course, Agassi would probably just say that's how everyone in the village was— humble, with no idea they were actually well-off.
"I appreciate Pandora's kindness," Padgett said, his tone cool and unreadable. “Mr. James, you didn't have to go to all this trouble."
Edison knew he was supposed to play it humble. It felt a bit like paying a debt for Agassi marrying into Padgett's family. Agassi hadn't shown up in person when he got married, so now Edison was here, taking one for the team.
"Please, just call me Edison," he offered.
Padgett's lips curled, but his eyes stayed distant. "You're an executive at VIA Group, Edison. There's no need to be so formal."
It was obvious Padgett was still a little sore about his daughter being whisked away by the James family.
"At VIA Group, sure, I'm an executive. But here, I'm just a junior. Claire's uncle."
Padgett's eyebrows lifted. That was a good reminder.
"I heard Claire's living at your place?"
Padgett's tone made it clear he wasn't thrilled. The James family certainly wasn't short on money, so why couldn't they buy Claire her own place near school Why make her stay with someone else? And Edison was a grown man, still single. What if he brought a woman home late at night? Running into Claire would be so awkward.
"Yes, Claire and Pandora have been staying with me for now. Claire wanted to move into the dorms, but her application hasn't gone through yet. We just didn't feel
comfortable letting her live alone off campus."
Edison could tell Padgett wasn't happy, so he tried to explain. They had already planned to get Claire apartment right across from the
school but she said she wanne
live on campus. Of course, they respected her choice. Since the dorm didn't work out, the apartment was ready whenever she wanted it. Next semester, she'd be moving in.
“It really wouldn't be safe for her to live alone. Isn't Pandora going to stay with her?” Padgett asked, sounding almost eager. If Pandora didn't go, he might volunteer
himself. He'd never had the chance to look after his own kids like that.
1.n
Edison was a little confused. Was this older man actually offering to chaperone? He could only answer "Claire's always been really independent We've never had to worry about her studies. As for Pandora, I'm not sure if she plans to stay with Claire or not."
This was still something they needed to discuss.
Padgett nodded thoughtfully. “Claire's got talent, but someone should help her with daily life. I don't really trust just hiring a nanny. You never know these days, if they'll take care of her or not."
Edison hesitated, then said, “You're right. But I think it depends on what Claire wants. She might not want someone hovering over her."
Padgett took that in and finally nodded, seeing the sense in it.