The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 167

"I never actually agreed to play along with your little show," Dane said, his voice all business as they sat in the car.

Claire rolled her eyes. "Maybe your mind didn't agree, but your body was totally on board."

"Thank you, Dane," Claire teased, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

Dane glanced at her. "Don't start."

Claire just grinned. "Yes, sir, Dane!"

Fine. Seeing her so cheerful, Dane let it go. When Claire was in a good mood, she seemed soft and sweet, like she could melt anyone's heart. He figured a side of her like this could even cheer up Baldrick.

Sure enough, as soon as they got to the hotel, Claire greeted Baldrick with a big smile. He had set out a late-night snack for her, and she happily dug in. She knew exactly what to say, and before long, Baldrick was laughing so hard his eyes disappeared.

Dane sat quietly, his face unreadable, like he was on the outside looking in.

"Is your grandmother still in Apex? I was thinking of inviting her, but it's way too late now," Baldrick said, a little hesitant.

The truth was, Baldrick still felt a bit nervous around Pandora. Back when he was sent to the countryside, Pandora was already the young leader of the James family. Even as a teenager, she had this striking, commanding presence.

Claire didn’t know anything about that history. She just explained, "Grandma’s not used to city life, but she’s been going to the hospital a lot lately. One of her old friends hasn’t been well."

It's true, when people get older, they start to let go of old grudges and get nostalgic about the past.

Pandora had already gone to visit Daniel twice in the hospital. Daniel was convinced he didn't have long to live. Every time he saw Pandora, he would tear up immediately.

So every time Pandora came home, she'd sigh and complain, "So exhausting." She’d never met anyone as dramatic as Daniel.

When Baldrick heard that Pandora was seeing Daniel but not him, he only laughed. "I guess she feels closer to people who were there with her back then."

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