Chapter 274

“Grandpa, do you think Claire is so pretty that it just makes sense for Dane to like her p>

Achilles shut that down right away. “Of course not. Good looks are everywhere, but a truly interesting soul is rare. Latonia, you’re an amazing girl, and trust me, Dane isn’t the only great guy out there. Don’t let him get you down p>

“Besides, Claire is still young. She’s got a lot of life ahead of her, and there will be plenty of temptations. They won’t even be engaged for another year or so. Who knows what could happen? For now, focus on your studies. That’s all you should be thinking about p>

Latonia wasn’t sure if her grandfather’s words had convinced her or not.

Meanwhile, Claire was standing by the doorway with her arms crossed, watching Dane come back inside. Even though Achilles had told Dane not to see them out, Dane had walked them all the way anyway.

Now he saw Claire leaning on the doorframe, and his first reaction was a frown. “Why are you out here? It’s freezing p>

Claire’s nose was pink from the cold. “I was waiting for you, obviously.” She looked up at him with a bright smile.

Dane took her hand and tugged her inside. “Come on. Let’s go in before you catch a cold p>

Claire glanced down at her wrist, half-amused, half-curious if Dane even realized what he was doing.

“Did you send them off?” Baldrick had been talking to Padgett, but both of them looked over as soon as they heard the door. When Baldrick saw Dane holding Claire’s hand, he couldn’t help but smile knowingly.

He’d always thought Dane was different around Claire. He kept his distance from other girls but never seemed to mind being close to her. Even if they weren’t in love yet, feelings would grow soon enough.

“Yeah,” Dane said simply, never one for many words around his grandfather.

“Baldrick, can I see the herbs you’re using to make the tonic?” Claire piped up.

Padgett looked surprised at her curiosity. He opened his mouth to say something, but Baldrick spoke first. “Let Dane show you p>

He knew Claire just wanted an excuse to go over and help with the tonic. He didn’t mind, though.

Padgett shot Baldrick a look. “What’s she gonna do, just stare at them? He thought Baldrick was spoiling her. If Claire was that interested in herbs, he could just show her his own collection at home.

Baldrick just rolled his eyes. Like you don’t spoil her every chance you get.

Dane led Claire to the storage room, where all the medicinal herbs were kept, including the rare snow lotusz they’d brought back from the Churchill family’s estate. He’d let go of her hand by then, but he still kept an eye on her, making sure his pace matched hers.

“Why did you agree to get engaged to me, anyway? Isn’t Latonia your girlfriend p>

Claire suddenly asked as they walked inside.

Dane looked honestly surprised. “Why would you think that p>

Claire leaned against the door, thinking out loud. “Well, you two grew up together. You’re both

good-looking, and you just seem like a perfect match. Even the way you of matches seriously thought she was your girlfriend at first. But now, it kind of seems like

dress King

she likes you a lot more than you like

her p>

“We’ve never been like that.” Dane caught the teasing look in Claire’s eyes and felt

a strange twist in his chest. “Do you think I’m too old for you? That I’m a better match for her p>

Claire just grinned and threw up her hands. “Not at all. With your looks, you could probably end up with a princess if you wanted p>