The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 280

“But it’s not like you can’t change your mind,” Owen said. “The engagement isn’t official for another two years.”

He turned to Claire, searching her face. “What do you think, Claire? Honestly.”

“If this is just about Melissa, I don’t think it’s worth it,” she replied. “Nobody does childhood engagements anymore. Our family doesn’t need to marry into business power. That’s old news.”

“And the Green family isn’t the type to make a big deal out of marriage alliances either,” someone added.

“What if you meet someone you really like one day? Having a fiancé hanging over your head would just get in the way.”

Norris, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. “Phil is handling the family business. You really don’t have to sacrifice your own happiness for us.”

“If Melissa hadn’t felt trapped by that arrangement with the Greens, maybe she never would’ve run away in the first place…”

It was true. Melissa would never want Claire to end up like her.

Claire paused, a little surprised by how passionate everyone was. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s a big deal. If you look at it another way, Dane’s pretty great. At least I won’t have to worry about getting hurt by some loser down the line.”

“He’s smart, he’s rich, and he’s good-looking. Why shouldn’t I choose him?”

Owen stared at her, a bit stunned. He hadn’t expected her to be so blunt. “Don’t you want some epic love story? I mean, I still do, and I’m not exactly young anymore.”

He realized how ridiculous it sounded since he’d already been in more than a few love stories himself.

“Does love even mean anything? Can you really count on it?” Claire shot back.

There was an awkward silence. Nobody could really say love was a sure thing.

Norris nodded, finally relaxing. “When you put it like that, Dane really is a good choice.”

Phil just pressed his lips together. He obviously wasn’t thrilled, but he couldn’t deny Dane’s reputation. Half the families in their circle would kill for this chance, and most never even got close.

With both brothers out of arguments, Padgett just gave a small shrug. He’d only complained out of love for Claire, and everyone knew it.

And that was that. The engagement was settled in the Churchill family.

That night, Claire went back to her room and opened the gift the Green family had given her. Just as she expected, it was something expensive—a whole set of stunning emerald jewelry, all flawless and vibrant.

Every woman loved jewelry. Claire was no exception.