The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 1085

"He's trying to get on my good side?"

Claire instantly understood Kendrick's underlying motive.

She was a brilliant doctor with exceptional skills.

Kendrick had a massive family, and he couldn't guarantee that his descendants would never fall severely ill.

Building a strong relationship now was an investment, hoping she'd be willing to step in during future crises.

Her medical expertise was the kind that snatched people back from the brink of death.

She might be young, but Kendrick was essentially buying stock in her future.

And investing in her was a guaranteed win.

Realizing this, Claire pocketed the money without a shred of guilt.

"Honestly, considering your relationship with him, I probably shouldn't have charged him."

She casually mentioned it anyway.

The hefty sum was undoubtedly also a way to placate Dane.

They were giving Dane face.

It was a subtle apology directed at her as well.

Before they knew she was Dane's girlfriend, introducing Cassandra to him hadn't technically been a faux pas.

But because of Claire's undeniable prowess and personal magnetism, they were using this generous payment as an elegant, unspoken apology.

"Take every cent."

Dane had seen through the Cole family's intentions from the start.

He had worried that his girl might misinterpret the situation, which would be an absolute headache to explain.

So, he simply brought her along to mark his territory.

If Kendrick wanted to hand over a small fortune as an apology, fine by him.

It was pocket change anyway.

Back when he bought that Agarwood pillow, he had casually given her twenty million dollars.

He knew Claire wasn't exactly desperate for cash either.

And he was right; Claire had never lacked money. Back in the James family, Octavia had been incredibly stingy with her, insisting on buying her material goods instead of giving her liquid cash.

She forced Claire to wear those designer clothes out in public just to maintain the illusion that the parents spoiled their daughter.

In reality, Claire's monthly allowance was a pathetic fraction of what Lance received.

However, after Claire moved to the countryside with Mary, Mary had given her plenty of spending money.

Mary had had a highly lucrative career, drawing an exorbitant pension and an equally massive salary from her consultant work.

She provided Claire not only with unwavering emotional support but also complete financial freedom.

"I swear I didn't." Dane's expression darkened with exasperation.

He genuinely hadn't expected the old man to beat him to the punch and crash the party first.

Left with no other choice, Claire and Dane walked through the front doors together.

"Claire's back!"

Padgett and Baldrick turned toward her in perfect unison.

Somehow, Baldrick looked even more thrilled to see her than Padgett did.

"Claire, we're doing a massive backyard barbecue tonight."

Baldrick had even brought his own premium cuts of meat.

Padgett stood next to him, looking utterly defeated.

"Sounds great." Claire honestly didn't care what was on the menu.

With the Churchill family's private chefs manning the grill, she knew she wasn't going to go hungry.

The rest of the Churchill family was usually swamped with their respective empires, making it rare to get everyone in one room.

Tonight, it was just Claire, the two grandfathers, and Dane around the table. Everyone else was out of the house.

Business never slept for the rest of the family.