The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 743

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Now, it was clear those fears were entirely unfounded. Claire would thrive here, no matter what.

Taking a moment to relax, Ophelia and Karla carefully studied the old estate. They shared Padgett's assessment—the James family had some serious old money. The sheer scale of the property was a testament to their ancestors' immense wealth.

Pearce invited everyone inside to sit, but the group ultimately opted for the gazebo in the courtyard. The city was sweltering in the summer heat, but out here, a refreshing breeze rolled through in the mornings and evenings. Even as noon approached, the stifling urban heatwave was nowhere to be felt.

There was a grape trellis in the courtyard, so Claire grabbed a small basket and had Owen carry it for her. She snipped off a few clusters of grapes and washed them under the natural spring water piped into the yard. Once they were clean, she brought them over to the gazebo.

Ophelia and Karla each tried one and marveled at how sweet they were. Between people snacking on fruit, chatting animatedly, and the ongoing cooking, the atmosphere was wonderfully vibrant.

The dining table was set indoors. Dish after dish was served, each a masterpiece of color and aroma. The James family's plates and bowls were incredibly exquisite and rustic, perfectly complementing the grandeur of the estate.

"Padgett, please have a seat," Pandora urged.

Once Padgett was seated, everyone else found their places around a table groaning under the weight of the feast.

The meal featured robust, countryside flavors and hearty, nourishing broths that had everyone singing praises.

"Patti is the head chef today, isn't she? I had no idea her cooking was this phenomenal," one of them complimented.

"She learned from her family. It's decent enough to get by," Pearce replied with a modest chuckle.

There was no aggressive pressure to drink during the meal. Pandora simply had someone bring out a special liquor she had infused with premium herbs, leaving it for anyone who wanted to pour themselves a glass.