The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 397

“We just ran into each other tonight, honestly.” Latham’s voice sounded uneasy. “She forgot her scarf at the hotel, so Wheeler went back to get it. She only helped me out because of that. There’s really nothing going on between us, Octavia. Don’t be upset.”

He leaned closer, trying to comfort her, but Octavia wasn’t buying it.

“Why didn’t your assistant help you?” she asked, eyebrows furrowed. “Why was he the one running after someone else’s scarf? Are you all suddenly so close?”

It just didn’t add up to her. Wheeler was young and strong. He was the obvious one to support Latham, not to be sent off chasing after a woman’s stray scarf.

“Fallon said her heels were killing her. Letting Wheeler do her a favor wasn’t a big deal.” Latham tried to lighten the mood. “Octavia, come on, you know me. After all these years, when have I ever betrayed your trust? Seriously, if I really wanted an affair, wouldn’t I at least have some standards? She’s not even as beautiful as you, and she’s not young anymore. Why would I go for her?”

He slipped an arm around her shoulders, grinning playfully. “You’re still as jealous as ever. After all these years, some things never change.”

Octavia’s eyes grew distant. “Yeah, you’re right. Neither of us are young anymore.” It wasn’t just about Fallon. Time was catching up with her, too.

She turned her gaze on Latham, lips curling in the hint of a wry smile. “Who knows? Maybe you’re the type who likes them less pretty these days.”

Latham nearly choked. “Come on, I’m not blind. You’ve given me two amazing kids. Why would I ever betray you, or even look at someone else?”

He tried to lighten the mood. “Back then, you kept accusing Fallon of having bad intentions, and got her kicked out of the company. I haven’t had any contact with her all these years. She’s teaching in a middle school now. There’s zero chance we’d be involved. Why are you worrying about this?”

Looking back, it was obvious. Latham cared about his reputation. To the outside world, he needed a perfect family. He’d never risk that by getting divorced. And Octavia gave him everything he wanted in a wife and kids, so why would he ever trade her in?

She broke the silence, trying to sound casual. “I’m not just being paranoid. Back then, I wasn’t the only one who thought Fallon was up to no good. So now she’s a middle school teacher? Did she ever get married? Any kids?”

Latham paused, irritation flickering in his eyes. “How would I know? We literally just bumped into each other and exchanged a couple words. After how she left the company, I’m hardly going to pry into her life. Even the bit about her being a teacher, she told me herself. That’s it. Octavia, stop worrying about people who aren’t even a part of our lives anymore.”

Octavia caught the edge in his voice, recognized the way he tried to rush her questions away. He was probably worried that if she kept pressing, he might let something slip. Men always liked to pretend impatience would cover up their guilt, but she knew better.