The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 654

“It’s only my suspicion—I don’t have any proof, so it’s not worth discussing,” Claire said coolly.

“If you’re tied up with family business today, I’ll just come by another time.” She had no intention of sticking around for the looming family showdown.

“I’m really sorry for dragging you here today and getting you caught up in all this,” Latham apologized.

Claire just shrugged. In her opinion, a front-row seat to this kind of live soap opera was too good to pass up. “No worries,” she replied, turning to leave.

“I’ll walk you out,” Latham offered, taking it upon himself to escort her. Clearly, he thought the house wasn’t the right place for a conversation; he’d rather talk out in the courtyard.

Once outside, Latham got straight to the point about his company’s troubles.

“Claire, I don’t want to put you in a bind. The whole situation with the baby mix-up was tinged with personal grudges, and frankly, after everything, I haven’t got the face to ask you to feel grateful for how we raised you.”

“If you resent us, I completely understand.”

“The truth is, the company is backed into a corner and I’ve run out of people I can turn to—that’s why I thought of you.”

“What, you want me to go on a date with Mr. Clark’s son, too?” Claire recalled the not-so-subtle suggestion Octavia had dropped earlier.

Latham hesitated, then shook his head. “The Clarks are well off and the son works at a bank, but—between us—he’s nothing to write home about.”

“Claire, you’re smart and beautiful. A guy like that just doesn’t measure up.”

“You’ve got your whole college life ahead of you—you’ll meet plenty of people and find someone better.”

“There’s no reason to throw away your youth on a man like him. Unless, of course, you actually like him.”

“If not, I’d never throw you into the fire like that.”

“Getting married is a lifelong decision—you need to think it through.”

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