The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 499

Latham got it right away.

He rushed to shut the idea down. “That’s not necessary. Fallon’s got her own busy schedule.”

“It wouldn’t be right to ask her to come over.”

His mind jumped to the past. He and Fallon had history, and inviting her into their house now would be asking for trouble if Octavia decided to make a scene. The last thing he wanted was drama at home.

But Fallon didn’t hesitate. “If Octavia would like me to help Cindy with her studies, I really don’t mind.”

“I’m busy during the week, but weekends are usually open.”

“It’s fine, really. Cindy has exams coming up and she needs someone to help her review every day,” Latham interrupted, hoping to close the topic.

“Octavia, the tutor you hired is great. There’s no reason for Fallon to step in.”

Octavia gave him a look, her smile a little too polite. “I thought you trusted Fallon’s abilities more?”

“I could always let the current tutor go.”

“Fallon’s practically family. If she helps Cindy get ready, I’d actually feel reassured,” she added with a hint of something Latham couldn’t quite pin down.

Reassured about what, exactly?

He knew something was off. Octavia’s attitude just didn’t feel right.

“I never said I didn’t trust your choice,” Latham said, reaching for her hand. “Come on, Octavia. Let’s not trouble Fallon with details like this.”

“Fallon still has things to do today. We should get going.”

Octavia saw how uneasy he looked and didn’t press the topic. If those two actually invited trouble into her own home, she’d be the one left cleaning up after it. Some things are more fun when you think you’re getting away with them... and the thrill is half the excitement.

“Guess dinner together is a no-go tonight... maybe next time then,” Fallon said lightly. She knew exactly how Latham felt about her being too chummy with Octavia and she was smart about not doing anything to push his buttons.

If she was planning to get close to Latham again, she wouldn’t make any reckless moves. She’d prepared herself for this carefully.

“That’s a real shame.”

Octavia shrugged with exaggerated disappointment.

“Old habits, huh?”

“It’s just her name. What matters is that there’s nothing between us at all.”

“Our kids are all grown up now. I’m not the man I used to be. Why would I risk everything and drag her back into our lives?”

“I honestly was just thinking about Cindy’s schoolwork. Fallon knows teachers, she writes school exams herself. I thought she might have some good tips for exam prep.”

“It was all for Cindy. I swear.”

No matter how sincere Latham sounded, Octavia wasn’t buying it.

“Latham, you said it yourself. Our kids are adults now.”

“Lance is about to get married. If his future in-laws ever hear about your old flames, who knows if their daughter would still want to marry into our family?”

“I actually met Mabel recently. She’s got this classic beauty... she’s so graceful. Such a presence.”