Chapter 358
Before Dane finally left, Pandora smiled and said, “He’s a nice guy. The Green Family is right up there with the wealthiest families. And our Claire, even though she’s not technically a James anymore, she’s still my granddaughter in my heart. I watched her grow up. She’s a good girl, really innocent. Now that your engagement is pushed back for two years, try to keep it private, at least for now. If anything changes between you over the next couple years, it’ll be easier for both of you p>
“Got it,” Dane agreed, giving a small nod.
Pandora walked them to the door and, just outside, they bumped into Viola, the neighbor who’d come by last night hoping for some chicken soup. She was out with Vince, her dog, wandering around.
As soon as she spotted Pandora, she hurried over. “Well, well, who’s this p>
Viola’s eyes immediately lit up when she saw Dane. “Wow, I haven’t seen such a handsome young man in ages. He’s even better looking than your oldest grandson p>
She meant Lance.
Pandora didn’t bother defending her grandson. “He is easier on the eyes than my Lance, that’s for sure,” she agreed, smiling. Honestly, she found Dane a lot more charming than that rascal Lance.
“So, is he a relative of yours?” Viola’s interest was obvious. “I have a niece, unmarried, and she’s a teacher. Sure, being a teacher isn’t super lucrative, but she’s good with family life. I think she’d get along great with a guy like him p>
Pandora cut her off before she could go on and on. “This is Claire’s friend. He’s from Cabinda, just here for a work trip and stopped by to see me p>
Viola’s face fell a bit when she heard that. “Oh, Cabinda is so far away. My niece’s parents wouldn’t want her marrying someone from out there p>
“Claire’s friend… you’re not telling me he’s actually your boyfriend, are you?” The idea hit Viola a moment later.
Claire kept things vague, still not ready to share the engagement. “He’s like a big brother from my grandmother’s side p>
“But isn’t Pandora your grandmother?” Viola frowned, then seemed to realize something. “Oh, you mean your biological grandmother’s side p>
Claire just nodded.
Viola covered her mouth, laughing. “Well, this young man is really something. He’d make a good boyfriend someday. Since be was from Cabinda, her niece was obviously out of the running.
Claire just smiled and got into the car. Dane opened the passenger door, gave a
wave to Pandora and Viola, and they both left.
Once they’d driven off, Viola glanced
I.ne
at Pandora. “Didn’t you say your
granddaughter’s family were just
country folk? Howd she endup with
relatives all the way in Cabinda p>
Pandora could tell Viola was itching for gossip. She just grinned. “Everyone’s got a few relatives spread out somewhere p>
Viola thought about it. “You’re right p>
In the city, Claire dropped Dane off at his hotel before heading back to Edison’s place. Edison and Jenny were already asleep, so she didn’t bother them.
The next day, Claire couldn’t join Dane going back to The James Village. She had more tutoring to do.
Dane drove himself to the village. Most people there barely knew him, but luckily Pearce recognized his face.
“You’re Dane, right?” Pearce remembered after a moment.
“Yeah. Pearce, is Pandora home? I’m
here to wish her a happy new year p>
Dane said, stepping out of the car. His bodyguard pulled out several Bags from the car content belongs”
“She’s inside. Come on,” Pearce said, hurrying to lead Dane toward the old family house. Pandora was already waiting for him, having heard he’d be visiting.