The two of them walked out together, looking like a match made in heaven.
Watching them go, Achilles felt even more uneasy.
He decided to test the waters. "The Churchill granddaughter is absolutely stunning. She looks quite a bit like her mother."
"She does resemble Melissa, but she takes after her father as well," Baldrick replied casually.
Achilles noted that Baldrick didn't show the slightest hint of resentment when mentioning Melissa.
That in itself spoke volumes.
"From the sound of it, you know her father?" Achilles probed.
Baldrick didn't deny it. "I've heard of him, but we've never formally met."
"Padgett mentioned him."
Achilles grew increasingly worried. The fact that the two families hadn't become bitter enemies over Melissa's runaway bride stunt meant there was a massive chance the elders were actively setting up Dane and Claire.
Where did that leave Latonia?
"Dane isn't getting any younger. Is he seeing anyone?" Achilles pivoted the conversation smoothly.
"You'd have to ask him. The younger generation has their own lives, and I try to stay
out of his business," Baldrick deflected, not wanting to say too much.
As far as he was concerned, his grandson and Claire were already practically married.
He used to think Dane was clueless about romance, but look at how long he had stayed in Apex!
It would be ridiculous to think Claire had nothing to do with it.
Baldrick was thrilled to see things unfolding this way; he couldn't be happier.
"Young people certainly have their own ideas. Take my granddaughter, for instance. She insisted on going abroad to chase her dreams."
"The moment she left, I started worrying she might bring back a foreign husband."
"But seeing how laser-focused she is on her studies, now I'm terrified she'll never date at all."
"She's your girl, it's completely natural to worry," Baldrick sympathized, fully understanding his old friend's anxiety.
He was well aware that Latonia had a massive crush on his grandson.
If it weren't for Claire, he might have considered setting Latonia up with Dane once she returned.
But with Claire in the picture, pairing him with Latonia was entirely off the table.
"Latonia
aspect wonderful in every other
tell me, do you think
there's any chance between her and
Dane?"
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Seeing Baldrick expertly dodging his hints, Achilles decided to be direct.
He knew Baldrick's silence was an answer in itself, but for his granddaughter's sake, he had to try.
"Latonia is beautiful, brilliant, and incredibly capable. She could have her pick of any man she wants."
"She might just surprise you and bring home the perfect husband one day. Why rush things?"
Baldrick's refusal to give a straight answer was a blatant rejection in itself.
Achilles sighed inwardly.
It seemed the two kids simply weren't meant to be.
"I don't think so. She's always been ice-cold toward other men, but she's always had a soft spot for Dane She used to follow him everywhere when they were little."
The two families were extremely close. In all honesty, Latonia and Dane practically grew up together.
Unfortunately, it was always Latonia chasing after him.
Dane had never been particularly interested in playing with little girls.
He had only ever tolerated Latonia out of sheer politeness.
"Kids grow up and change their minds. You can't take childhood crushes seriously," Baldrick countered smoothly.
He remained firmly unyielding.
Realizing it was a lost cause, Achilles finally threw in the towel. "You have a point."
"I just worry too much. Mostly
because Latonia is a girl. A bad
career ruins aman, but a bad
lage turns a woman
He didn't need to elaborate; Baldrick understood perfectly.
They silently agreed to drop the matter completely.
Still, Achilles felt a profound sense of regret. Dane was the absolute best candidate
for a grandson-in-law.
He was a flawless match for Latonia in every conceivable way.