The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 493

Claire definitely wasn’t about to go back with Latham. Octavia could see it from a mile away—Claire had her own life now, and nobody in the James family could rein her in anymore. If there was anyone she might still listen to, maybe it was Pandora, but even then, Pandora was hopelessly biased.

“Octavia, there’s no need to say things you don’t mean just because you’re upset,” Latham said quietly.

“I’m not saying Cindy is somehow worse than Claire,” he added. “In my eyes, they’re both my daughters.”

Octavia rolled her eyes inwardly. Sure, you treat Claire like your own, but do you really think she still sees you as her dad? She doesn’t even bother answering your calls. You’re the only one still clinging to this whole family act.

Latham noticed the look on Octavia’s face and, for once, understood what she was thinking. He just sighed and let it go.

To him, everything had started going wrong when Octavia and Lance kicked Claire out so ruthlessly. If the two of them hadn’t sent her packing back to the country in the middle of the night, giving her nothing at all, would she have ever turned out like this? When someone’s heart goes cold, it’s almost impossible to warm it up again.

***

When Claire finally woke up, the first thing she saw was a long column of missed calls from the James family. There were also dozens of messages. She scrolled through and, after checking Latham’s, decided to call him back when she had a free minute.

Latham was honestly surprised when he answered the phone. He’d already assumed that Claire was done with them for good. If Lance couldn’t win Claire’s support, then Hearth & Kettle would be lost to the James family, and that was something Latham couldn’t accept. It was about more than just his daughter—there were bigger things at stake.

“Claire?” He quickly collected himself, his voice instantly soft, careful, and full of concern. “Are you back in Apex? I heard you took gold in the individual competition, and your team won first place too. That’s incredible. Congratulations.”

“Thanks, Latham.” Claire’s voice was polite, just a little distant.

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