The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 529

"I just landed in Apex for a business trip," Dane said, bringing it up like it was no big deal.

Claire blinked, caught completely off guard. "Why didn't you call earlier? I would’ve picked you up from the airport." She glanced at her phone. "Actually, are you still there? I can come get you right now."

"You don’t need to go out of your way," Dane replied. "I’ll just see you tomorrow."

"It’s not even that late. Just past ten." Claire felt determined. "I’ll come pick you up."

Dane could tell she meant it, so he didn’t argue anymore. "Okay. I’ll wait for you."

Claire turned to her friends. "I need to go pick someone up. Are you three going home on your own, or what?"

The airport was in the opposite direction, so there was really no point in making everyone go together.

"I’ll drive them," Len said. He was the only one with a car besides Claire. Sophia and Shirley had come together.

"Perfect. Len, you’re in charge now." Claire jingled her keys and grinned, saying goodbye before heading out.

Driving alone, Claire let herself relax, the city lights flying past, her favorite playlist filling the car. She reached the airport in no time, barely making Dane wait.

Meanwhile, in Len’s car, the conversation was heating up.

"Who do you think Claire went to pick up?" Sophia asked, her curiosity on full blast.

York was a few years older than Claire, but not old enough to call him a "mature man." Still, Sophia always thought Claire deserved more.

"Her boyfriend should at least be better looking than York," Shirley said, blurting it out. In her mind, Claire could do so much better. That was probably why she didn’t even hesitate to end that engagement.

And it wasn’t like Claire’s family was struggling. Even if her birth parents were from a small town, everyone at The James Village looked pretty well-off. With Pandora as the head of the family, they definitely weren’t hurting. Finding Claire a decent match couldn’t be that hard.

"If we think so, Claire definitely does too," Sophia said, nodding.

While they chattered away, Claire had already made it to the airport. She found Dane waiting for her in a coffee shop, looking relieved to see her walk in.