Cindy wanted nothing less than for Lance and Claire to end up together. If those two ever saw eye to eye, the James family fortune would slip even further out of her grasp. There was no way she'd let that happen.
"Claire grew up with the James family. She owes them for raising her. No matter how much she might dislike you, she wouldn't dare pick on you," York pointed out calmly. “She's already living the life that should've been yours. Just to keep everyone from talking, she'd have to at least treat you decently. And when it comes to splitting the inheritance, she'd have to be generous."
Otherwise, she'd look like she was bullying her sister.
York put all the ugly business about money right out in the open. Cindy's eyes flickered, her thoughts racing. She'd only dared to consider these things in secret, but York just said them outright. Did the Byron family have their own plans?
She shot York a playful look and pouted. "I'm not obsessed with the family money, you know."
York's mouth curved into a small smile. "No one's saying you are. There were only ever supposed to be two kids in the James family-you and Lance. Since you didn't grow up there, obviously the family owes you something. Even if they don't give you extra, they definitely shouldn't shortchange you. But if Lance ends up marrying someone who's tough and hard to deal with, who knows what could happen. I'm just thinking about what's best for you."
He made it sound so reasonable, Cindy couldn't find a single flaw in his argument. She actually felt a little lighter, knowing someone was watching out for her.
"Thanks, York. I know you always have my back." Cindy cuddled up to his arm, her voice all sugar and trust.
York just smoothed her hair and kept quiet.
Far away, Claire was totally unaware that York had her in his sights too. York had no intention of marrying Claire, but that didn't mean he wasn't interested in her property. Hearth & Kettle was massive. If the land was ever developed, that would turn into a mountain of cash.
York grew up soaking in Frederic's lessons. Money and profit were always the bottom line. If he couldn't marry Claire himself, Lance marrying her was the next best move. The Byron and James families were connected by marriage, and both families had a stake in the project. If Hearth & Kettle stayed in the family, that would always be better than letting it fall into a stranger's hands.
With all these plans swirling around, York just kept strolling with Cindy, playing the perfect fiancé, smiling at her every word.
Meanwhile, Claire climbed back into the car, arms full of melons. She cut one open, handed out slices, and everyone took a bite.
"This is insanely sweet," Sophia said, her eyes lighting up as nectar ran down her chin.
Claire nodded, grinning. "Seriously, it's probably even better than usual.
If we hadn't run into somebody who justuins the vibe, bet it woul taste even sweeter.
Shirley raised an eyebrow. “Ruins the vibe? Are we talking about Lance or Cindy?"
“Both,” Sophia blurted, lowering her voice as if spilling a secret.
Shirley sighed, rolling her eyes. "I used to think Lance was just arrogant... like, not
wanting to hang out with us. But now? He's just plain annoying."
Sophia giggled. "Told you, you think he's lame now too."
“No, it's just... weird running into him like that. It made the whole day feel awkward.”
If Shirley felt off, Claire was even more uncomfortable.
"It's not that weird," Claire said,
searching for a halfway-believable excuse. He probably figured wề
wouldn't invite Cindy to join us, so he
brought her himself."
"Wow, look at you, Lance," Shirley muttered. "Treats his own sister like royalty.
Didn't lift a finger for you though, Claire."
She remembered how, at Claire's birthday, Lance had brought Cindy home in front of everyone. That
scene still played in her head, et
It
made things obvious-Lance never cared much for Claire but Cindy? He treated her like she was the crown jewel.
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