Chapter 328
“What’s that supposed to mean p>
Tiffany and lieana both looked like they’d just bitten into something rotten. Tiffany, especially, couldn’t hide her disappointment. She’d been eyeing Dane for ages.
“So, when did Dane become part of our family? And who’s the granddaughter you’re talking about? Doesn’t seem like you have one. Or are you speaking up on Yolande’s behalf now p>
Tiffany was being deliberate with her words. If only Padgett would remember that Claire wasn’t a blood relative and maybe think a marriage alliance should go to his actual granddaughter, Tiffany might finally get what she wanted.
lieana kept quiet, but she stared hard at Ophelia.
“What’s going on?” she whispered, hoping for an explanation.
Ophelia just kept her lips sealed.
Padgett shot lieana a cold look. “I have no say in Yolande’s life decisions p>
“My only granddaughter is Claire. Dane’s grandfather really likes her. They settled everything last time p>
“Claire’s still young, though, so we agreed to wait two years before the engagement party p>
Padgett’s tone was so flat you could cut ice with it. He clearly wasn’t thrilled about lieana questioning his choices. Still, he explained, since he could tell there was more than one woman here with eyes for Dane. He found himself cursing Dane in his head. Why do you have so many admirers?
“Thing is, Claire’s really young and that original engagement was supposed to be between the Green family and the Churchills. Claire’s not actually a Churchill by name p>
Ophelia stepped in, trying to smooth things over. “But to me, Claire is family. She belongs with us, no matter her last name p>
“She might not be a Churchill by name, but Melissa was. That’s what counts!” Padgett’s voice rose.
Tiffany couldn’t argue back. “But Dane is so much older than Claire. Isn’t she still just a kid p>
Yolande nudged her mother, hoping she’d stay quiet. “Mom, let it go p>
“I honestly think Dane and Claire are perfect for each other. Age is just a number p>
Truthfully, Dane was just her type, but Yolande knew better than to overstep. She didn’t kid herself about standing a chance with him.
Meanwhile, lieana was seething. She’d finally found a son-in-law she actually liked, but Claire had beaten her to it. How could she possibly be happy about this? Even Irma’s gaze turned sharp and calculating landing on Claire.
“At least Yolande knows how to say the right thing,” Padgett said, giving Yolande an approving nod. She definitely had more sense than her mother.
“I—” Tiffany tried to continue her protest, but her daughter quickly popped a slice of apple into her mouth.
“Mom. Have some fruit p>
lieana threw Ophelia a look full of silent blame, but with the Churchill patriarch laying down the rules, she didn’t dare say another word.
At lunch, lieana kept trying to steer
her daughter into Dane’s
conversations. Each time, Dane
answered politely, but never
gave
her anything to work with.
After the meal, Claire and Dane got ready to leave.
“Grandpa, I have to get back to Apex today,” Claire said. “I’ll come see you again soon p>
No one else from the Churchill family was around. Only Ophelia was home that day.
Ophelia watched Claire, eyes full of reluctance. “I’m not finished knitting your scarf yet p>
Claire smiled. “It’s okay. I came back so suddenly this time. I actually had something to deal with at the hospital p>
She didn’t say more, and Ophelia didn’t press for details.
“Your three cousins are all out at various events. Caleb’s run off his feet, and Bishop and Karla went to visit her family p>
Ophelia clearly wished Claire net
be
stick around, but with her flight. coming up, there was nothing done Instead, she pressed a thick red envelope into Claire’s hand.
“Some lucky money. If I’d known you were coming today, I would have had this ready sooner p>
Claire grinned as she tucked the envelope away. “Thank you, Aunt Ophelia p>