The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 318

"Alright, Claire, go eat. Enjoy yourself."

Claire nodded and followed Dane out.

Dane wasn't too familiar with this neighborhood, and honestly, there weren’t many restaurants still open nearby. In the end, he picked a decent upscale place. Luckily, the restaurant was pretty good. They served Chinese food, mostly soups and dishes that patients could eat, healthy and comforting.

Claire didn’t overthink it. She picked a few dishes and started eating right away. Dane had already eaten, so he just watched her from across the table.

She really was starving. Out of the four dishes and one soup, she finished most of it by herself. Still, no matter how hungry she was or how fast she ate, Claire managed to look graceful the whole time.

When she finished, she dabbed her mouth with a napkin.

"How was it?" Dane asked, feeling a little hungry just from watching her.

"Not bad," Claire said, nodding. "They use high-quality ingredients here."

You could tell why the prices were what they were. Everything was about being healthy and tasty.

"As long as you liked it," Dane smiled.

After she finished her meal, Claire asked the waitress to pack up a portion of roasted pumpkin.

"You like this kind of thing?" Dane asked, a bit curious. He was never into sweets himself, but if Claire wanted it, that was fine by him.

"It's for Vernon," Claire admitted honestly.

Right after she said it, she realized Dane was the one footing the bill tonight.

She quickly added, "He’s been working really hard lately."

"I’ll pay for it," she offered, not wanting to take advantage of him.

Dane wouldn’t even consider it. "No need."

"You said Abbott’s there too, right? Want to get him some food as well?" Dane asked, completely on his own.

Outside the ward, Vernon was still standing guard. Claire handed him the box holding the roasted pumpkin.

"Vernon, I brought you a dessert. Give it a try," she said.

Vernon looked a little stunned, clearly not expecting anything like this. He had always worried that people would look down on him, just a farm kid at heart. Ever since he’d joined the team, he’d stuck close to Van, hoping he’d prove himself.

But this last mission hadn’t included him. He helped with the rescue, but watching everyone but Van fall had been cruel. The guilt of surviving when his friends hadn’t was sharp, even as another part of him felt relieved he’d made it.

Now, with Van’s life hanging in the balance, Vernon couldn’t even bring himself to think about food. So when Claire returned with dessert for him, he was caught off-guard, even if it was just a sweet treat.

"Thank you, Claire," he said quietly.

"But…" He hesitated, almost embarrassed. He really didn’t have the appetite.

"You need your strength," Claire told him gently. "Van’s going to pull through soon. If you starve yourself and pass out, who’s going to take care of him then?"

She knew exactly how to get through to people.