The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 583

Cindy wanted nothing less than for Lance and Claire to end up together. If those two ever saw eye to eye, the James family fortune would slip even further out of her grasp. There was no way she’d let that happen.

“Claire grew up with the James family. She owes them for raising her. No matter how much she might dislike you, she wouldn’t dare pick on you,” York pointed out calmly. “She’s already living the life that should’ve been yours. Just to keep everyone from talking, she’d have to at least treat you decently. And when it comes to splitting the inheritance, she’d have to be generous.”

Otherwise, she’d look like she was bullying her sister.

York put all the ugly business about money right out in the open. Cindy’s eyes flickered, her thoughts racing. She’d only dared to consider these things in secret, but York just said them outright. Did the Byron family have their own plans?

She shot York a playful look and pouted. “I’m not obsessed with the family money, you know.”

York’s mouth curved into a small smile. “No one’s saying you are. There were only ever supposed to be two kids in the James family—you and Lance. Since you didn’t grow up there, obviously the family owes you something. Even if they don’t give you extra, they definitely shouldn’t shortchange you. But if Lance ends up marrying someone who’s tough and hard to deal with, who knows what could happen. I’m just thinking about what’s best for you.”

He made it sound so reasonable, Cindy couldn’t find a single flaw in his argument. She actually felt a little lighter, knowing someone was watching out for her.

“Thanks, York. I know you always have my back.” Cindy cuddled up to his arm, her voice all sugar and trust.

York just smoothed her hair and kept quiet.

Far away, Claire was totally unaware that York had her in his sights too. York had no intention of marrying Claire, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t interested in her property. Hearth & Kettle was massive. If the land was ever developed, that would turn into a mountain of cash.

York grew up soaking in Frederic’s lessons. Money and profit were always the bottom line. If he couldn’t marry Claire himself, Lance marrying her was the next best move. The Byron and James families were connected by marriage, and both families had a stake in the project. If Hearth & Kettle stayed in the family, that would always be better than letting it fall into a stranger’s hands.

With all these plans swirling around, York just kept strolling with Cindy, playing the perfect fiancé, smiling at her every word.

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