Chapter 195
Now that Claire wasn’t the James family heiress anymore, she didn’t seem so out of reach. People actually found her more relatable and started chatting with her like she was just one of them.
She went along with their talk about winter break homework, smiling and joining in. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Dane and Baldrick making their way through the airport. They’d just come out of the VIP lounge, probably about to board their private jet.
Dane caught sight of Claire and slowed down for a second.
Claire picked up on it right away. “Hey, I see some friends of mine are about to board. I’m going to say hi,” she told the group.
Everyone watched as she walked straight toward a crowd of tall, intimidating men. The guys stepped aside, forming two neat lines to let her pass. Claire reached Baldrick’s wheelchair without any trouble.
“Baldrick,” she said, greeting him with a warm smile.
He grinned back at her. “What a coincidence, Claire p>
“Dane,” Claire added, giving him a little wave.
Back with her friends, jaws dropped.
“Claire actually knows those people? That guy looks like he’s from some super rich family,” Alva whispered, completely stunned.
Those big guys had to be bodyguards. The whole group just screamed money and power. Most people wouldn’t even dare to walk up to them.
Leo stared at Dane, suddenly realizing he’d seen him before, outside the school gates. Claire had been holding his arm, saying she liked good-looking guys. Leo had to admit, he didn’t measure up to Dane in the looks department. There probably weren’t many men who did. Still, Leo didn’t think he was bad-looking himself.
He wasn’t sure when it started, but he found himself paying more and more attention to Claire. Every word, every little gesture. He couldn’t help it.
Dane noticed Leo watching and shot him a look Leo couldn’t quite figure out. Was that a warning? Was Dane staking his claim?
But honestly, wasn’t there a huge gap between them and Claire now? She wasn’t the heiress anymore. Would a family like Dane’s even consider someone like her?
But thinking about it, Claire had managed to win over the elders in Dane’s family. Maybe they truly accepted her. Leo hated to admit it, but he was definitely a little jealous.
“Why don’t you bring your friends and teachers too?” Baldrick said generously. Claire blinked in surprise. “Really? Are you sure that’s okay p>
Baldrick checked his watch. “Why not? Your next flight to Cabinda is delayed anyway. You might as welk come with us. Private jets are a lot comfier than regular planes. Want to try it out p>
He knew exactly how to tempt someone. “Go ask your classmates and teacher. If they’re up for it, we can all go together p>
Claire hesitated, glancing at Dane. He never struck her as the type to welcome a bunch of strangers.
But Dane just nodded. “Go ahead p>
If she went by herself, Claire would have felt guilty leaving everyone behind. But if
the whole group could go, she’d feel way better.
She headed back and dropped the news. “Hey, one of my family’s friends wants to know if you all want to take a private jet to Cabinda with us. Our flight’s delayed anyway, so we’ll be waiting a while p>
The students from Silverpeak International College all came from wealthy backgrounds. Leo and Len’s families had money, sure, but not povatejet money. Even if they could afford one, nobody wanted to deal with the hassle and costs. It just wasn’t the same.