Chapter 319

“Thanks, Claire. I’m digging in p>

The caramel-roasted pumpkin was warm, sweet, and smelled absolutely amazing. Vernon barely had the takeout box open before the scent hit him. His stomach started growling so loud he was a little embarrassed. He swallowed, trying to play it cool.

“Go ahead, eat,” Claire said gently, not meeting his eyes. She wanted to give him a

little space.

She and Dane strolled over to a bench off to the side and sat down together. They’d barely settled when someone showed up. It was Virgil, and he wasn’t alone—an older man was with him, followed by a handful of people, including a few doctors.

“Mr. Walden, Van still hasn’t woken up,” Virgil explained, voice careful and steady, “but both of the doctors from last night say he’s almost out of danger. You really don’t have to worry too much p>

A deputy director from the hospital added, standing just at Walden’s elbow. “Mr. Walden, you can relax. We’ve assigned Van the best doctors, and our staff is watching over him round the clock p>

Walden only grunted, his gaze wandering to where Dane and Claire sat.

“Dane, what are you doing here?” he asked, recognition flickering in his eyes. Dane had already stood up. “I heard about Van and wanted to check on him.” Dane and Van went way back. They’d been best friends since childhood—nothing had ever really come between them, not even their different paths as adults. The minute Dane heard Van was sent to this hospital, he dropped everything and came, ignoring the usual superstitions about visiting on New Year’s Day.

Walden liked Dane. Always had.

“Thank you for being here for him,” Walden said, nodding. “Van’s lucky to have a brother like you p>

He turned to Claire, as if about to say something else, but Dane stepped in. “This is my fiancée, Claire p>

Claire’s eyes went huge-she clearly hadn’t expected Dane to say it like that. Walden looked just as surprised, then he laughed and clapped Dane on the shoulder.

“Look at you, all grown up with a fiancée already,” Walden said, shaking his head with a smile. “But your fiancée isn’t just beautiful, she’s incredible. If she hadn’t stepped up and stopped the bleeding last night, Van might not have made it p>

“Mr. Walden,” Claire greeted politely, standing straight but relaxed.

Side by side, she looked bright and warm, and Dane had a natural, easy confidence. They really did look perfect together.

“You two look like you were made for each other,” Walden teased, grinning now. “So, when’s the engagement party? How come I didn’t get an invite p>

He was so caught up in their story, for a second he forgot all about his grandson lying in the hospital.

“She’s still young,” Dane replied smoothly. “We’ll wait a couple more years before the party p>

Something clicked in Walden’s gaze-he realized Dane was trying to protect Claire, in case any bad news got unfairly turned on her.

“Smart move,” Walden said in approval, giving Dane another friendly pat. They both understood what wasn’t being said.

Turning back to Claire, Walden’s expression softened. “Claire, I really want to thank you. If you hadn’t kept your cool and been willing to step in last night might not be seeing Van at all today p>

Claire just smiled. “I was happy to help. It was the right thing to do p>

“When someone’s life is on the line, nothing else matters,” she added quietly.

Walden watched her, impressed by

elet

how calm and put-together she was-not proud or nervous, just genuine. No wonder the Green family never made a fuss but

already decided she was the one for Dane.

“You didn’t have to help, though.

That means a lot to me,” Waldenet

said, his gratitude clear. “If anything had happened to Van, I wouldn’t even know how to face his parents.

Just remembering Van’s pale face made Walden shiver all over again.

“Really, you can relax,” Claire assured him, her tone warm but confident. “He should wake up by tonight at the latest p>

“And honestly, I probably won’t be needed for his recovery. Dr. Tandy and his team have everything covered p>

She was just waiting for Van to wake up too. Once he did, she could finally go home for the New Year.

“You being here makes everyone feel safer,” Walden said with a genuine smile.

The moment Walden finished talking, Virgil made his way over, finally ready to speak to Claire himself.