Chapter 29
If only the two families could really come together after all this mix-up. But it was
obvious Latham’s wife and daughter thought they were better than the country folks. There was no way they’d ever treat Pandora and Claire as real family.
Latham didn’t have a clue about the village, either. If he even knew a little about Pandora’s background, he would never let his wife and daughter act that way.
After the meal, everyone left the table. Claire headed to her room to change clothes. She was planning to go with Latham and the others for the DNA test. Pandora wasn’t interested in the test, but after thinking it over, she decided she’d go into the city with them anyway. She wanted to visit an old friend, and maybe pick up a few things for Claire too.
“You’re not even getting tested. Why come with us? It’s freezing out,” Claire said, looking a little worried. The trip would take two or three hours.
“It’s been years since I went into the city. I just want to look around,” Pandora said, smiling.
Octavia overheard and rolled her eyes. In her mind, Pandora just wanted a free ride to the city, maybe even hoping to get something out of them while she was at it. Octavia didn’t say anything, but Latham quickly spoke up. “Of course, you should come. Cindy and Claire can show you around p>
“Ride in our car,” he offered, sounding extra warm and polite. The whole act was clearly for Dane’s benefit. Latham wanted to use Pandora as a way to make connections, so he was putting on his nicest face.
Before Pandora could even answer, Dane’s butler showed up. “Pandora, Claire, Mr. Dane would like you to ride with him p>
Pandora didn’t hesitate. She’d much rather ride with Dane, and she turned down Latham’s offer without a second thought.
Octavia leaned over to Latham. “You’re being so nice, but she doesn’t care at all.” The idea of spending her own money to buy things for Pandora made her feel sick. “Not that they need it. Claire just sold an agarwood pillow for twenty million p>
At the mention of the pillow, Latham’s eyes lit up. How could he have forgotten? If he couldn’t get close to Dane directly, maybe he could use Claire.
When they got to the DNA center, Latham pulled Claire aside. “Claire, I heard Dane bought an agarwood pillow from you p>
Claire nodded. “Yeah. Funny thing, that was the pillow Octavia and Cindy didn’t want p>
Latham frowned, confused. Wasn’t that supposed to be Cindy’s pillow that Pandora gave to Claire? “You didn’t know?” Claire caught the look on his face and explained, “Octavia said the pillow Cindy slept onwas too old and worn out. Grandma gave it to me instead.” Content
Latham felt his temper flare. That pillow could have gone to Cindy, could have.come into their family, and bed missed a chance to get in with Dane Octavia always managed to mess things up when it mattered most..
He tried to play it off. “It doesn’t matter. It was your grandmother’s, so if she wanted you to have it, t yours. Selling it will help you and your grandmother live a little easier p>
Claire stayed quiet. This wasn’t the moment to tell him she didn’t need the money,
and only sold it because she didn’t want something Cindy had used.
Latham’s tone grew serious. “Claire, I actually have a favor to ask p>
“Latham, maybe stop calling yourself my dad in front of me. I think Cindy would be upset,” Claire said.
Latham hesitated. “Cindy’s an open-minded girl. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind p>
“But I don’t even know if my real parents would be okay with it,” Claire replied, looking genuinely unsure.