Chapter 372
Jennifer really did hope Claire would start paying more attention to her dad. “Oh, Claire, there’s one more thing you should probably know,” she said, lowering her voice a little. “People have already been asking me if I’m willing to sell Hearth & Kettle p>
She caught Claire’s eye. “I didn’t say a word about the place not technically being owned by the White family anymore. All I told them was that it’s an old family property and absolutely not for sale p>
Jennifer gave a half-smile. “And it’s not just random people. Edison and York, the two we bumped into earlier, are asking too. Apparently, their families are teaming up to take over the West Side development, and they really want Hearth & Kettle p>
She hesitated, worry written all over her face. “I’m just afraid they’ll try to hassle you about it. You know…make things uncomfortable p>
Jennifer’s warning was more than clear. She was already regretting how quickly she’d let it slip that Claire was the actual owner of Hearth & Kettle now. If Claire caved under pressure and gave up the estate, Pandora would be furious. Or worse, Jennifer’s own dad would have a field day yelling at her.
“Jennifer, really, it’s okay,” Claire said with a reassuring smile. “I’m not easily talked into things, and I’m not naïve. This place is gorgeous. No chance I’d just let it go to someone else p>
She kept promising Jennifer she wouldn’t let anyone sweet-talk her out of the estate. Only then did she and Dane leave the private dining room, heading for the exit. Of course, as luck would have it, they immediately came face to face with Latham and his group in the hallway.
Frederic and Olga were as warm and enthusiastic as always. Latham acted just the same, making it seem like Claire was still his precious daughter.
“Claire, so Hearth & Kettle really belongs to you now?” he asked, pulling her gently to the side. “Did Pandora actually sign it over p>
Claire could see exactly what he was up to. Latham might be her father, but he’d never really been the caring type. Most of his life revolved
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around work, and at home, he didn’t pay much attention to anyone unless it affected his reputation or the family business, especially when it came to the sons. Daughters, though-as long as they served the right purpose in the grand plan, he made sure they were comfortable. He kept Claire supplied with everything she needed and bragged about her achievements to anyone who’d listen, but as for genuine care? Not even close. If he really cared, he would have noticed the way Octavia clearly favored Lance over Claire and said something about it a long time ago.
“I’m not sure if the deed’s officially in my name yet,” Claire replied, keeping her voice light. “But Grandma did say she was giving me the house p>
Latham eased up noticeably. Getting the property out of Pandora’s hands would be impossible. If Claire was the owner now, persuading her would be so much easier— or so he thought.
“You do know the whole neighborhood is about to get torn down for redevelopment, right?” he said quietly.
Claire blinked in mock surprise. “Really? You think my house is included in all that too p>
“I don’t know the details, but just be cautious, Latham told her, putting on his best concerned dad look. “If someone tries to convince you to sell Hearth & Kettle, don’t say yes. Promise me p>
Claire nodded, serious as ever. “You’re right, I won’t let anyone tear it down just because of some new project. Hearth & Kettle’s too special for that. It’d be a real shame to lose it p>
Latham seemed thrown by her answer. “You do realize they’d have to pay you a fortune in
compensation, right? Aren’t you at least tempted by the money? Places like that might look nice, but they’re, a pain to keep up. Unless you hire a whole team of people to take care of it, it can feel kind of spooky being there alone p>
He looked at her closely. “You haven’t actually stayed there yet, have you p>
Claire gave him a calm, polite smile. “Not yet. It’s freezing in the winter, so I figured I’d save it for summer p>