The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 453

“If you’re worried about my parents, don’t be. I can handle them.” Lance’s voice was all confidence. “Dad already wants me to marry you. We were family before, and we’ll stay family after. Nothing has to change.” He actually smiled, completely sure of himself. “Isn’t that perfect?”

He kept going, not giving her a chance to cut in. “As for Mom, she might throw a fit at first, but if you let Cindy have your guaranteed admission spot, she’ll be thrilled. Once she’s happy, she won’t make a fuss anymore. And Cindy? If she gets that spot, she’ll pretty much owe you, so she won’t stand in our way either.”

“Claire, this is honestly the best deal. You go from being my little sister to the lady of The James Family. You won’t even have to lift a finger.”

“Lance, you’re so out of touch with reality.” Claire stared at him, halfway amused, mostly annoyed. “Why exactly do you think your dad is on board with us getting married?”

She crossed her arms, refusing to let him dodge the real issue. “Let’s ignore the age gap. Look at who I am right now. Do you really think some country girl is a good match for you? If your family wanted you to marry a proper heiress, they could find any rich girl, but they’re picking me. Why?”

She lifted her chin, eyes sharp. “Should I take a wild guess? Is it because Latham knows I own Hearth & Kettle now?” She let the question linger, watching his face pale. “He’s after the estate, isn’t he?”

Lance tensed up. He couldn’t hide it. His dad had brought up Hearth & Kettle more than once. “Development on that land is important for the company’s future, you know. Claire, can’t you just be sensible for once?”

“For once?” She almost laughed. “So you want me to hand over Hearth & Kettle, just like that? Let you guys bulldoze it for your business plans?”

She glared at him. “How can you even say that out loud? Don’t you remember? Hearth & Kettle was my grandmother’s wedding gift to me.”

“It could be your wedding gift too,” Lance said quietly, meeting her gaze.

Claire’s patience snapped. She wished she could knock some sense into him, or at least wipe that smug look off his face. “Get lost. I’m done talking to you. I don’t like you, and your family should stop obsessing about Hearth & Kettle. Seriously, you all disgust me.”

Claire smirked. “Who said I liked York?”

Lance looked thrown. “Then who is it?”

She rolled her eyes. “It doesn’t matter. Just know that it isn’t you. Please tell me you don’t actually believe you’re the only guy left in the world.” She stepped around him, already turning away. “Anyway, I’m going home.”

Claire brushed past him, heading for her apartment building. Neither of them noticed Cindy, hiding behind the flowerbed, face pale as a ghost.

Cindy hadn’t meant to overhear, but she’d come home late and ended up with front-row seats to the drama. She could barely process what she’d heard. Lance actually liked Claire. No wonder he had tried so hard to bring her back. Was it just to knock Claire out of the running as the James Family heiress? Or was there something more going on? Were the two of them really hiding a secret romance the whole time?