Chapter 1776

[ 494 words ]

Even Pandora walked into the opulent restaurant without batting an eye.

Queenie was a globetrotter accustomed to fine dining and took it all in stride.

Knowing the caliber of the restaurant, she remained completely unfazed.

Mary had been picked up by a car arranged by Padgett, and she too entered with effortless grace.

As a highly respected physician, Mary had attended countless medical conferences in high-end venues.

This wasn’t even her first time at this particular restaurant.

Ironically, Claire was the only one observing the decor with genuine curiosity.

As the impeccably plated dishes arrived, Claire realized Padgett had pulled out all the stops.

The grandmothers were in high spirits, and Claire thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Norris and Dane flanked her, both ensuring her plate was never empty.

She barely had a chance to serve the three elders herself.

Thankfully, the older women were perfectly capable and possessed no mobility issues.

Attentive waiters were on hand to shell seafood, meaning no one had to lift a finger. Claire ate until she was absolutely stuffed.

To assert dominance as the ultimate host, Padgett and Baldrick practically raced to foot the bill at the end of the night.

However, when they instructed their staff to handle it, the maître d’ informed them that the entire tab had already been settled by Dane.

Baldrick chuckled and backed down. His grandson paying was basically the same as him paying.

Padgett, however, shot Dane a loaded glare. “Slick move, kid. Beating us to the check.”

“But I recall we agreed to keep your engagement to Claire under wraps. So why am

I hearing that it’s suddenly the talk of the town?”

Padgett’s sudden interrogation was purely intentional.

He loved knocking Baldrick down a peg.

The two were lifelong friends, but they bickered relentlessly.

Baldrick coughed and looked away.

He silently declared that this had nothing to do with him.

His grandson had dug this grave himself.

Dane knew Padgett usually turned a blind e to these things and figured the older man was just flexing his authority without genuine malice.

“Padgett, I didn’t mean any disrespect. I care deeply for Claire, and I wanted to

solidify my position. I’m sure you understand.”

Dane didn’t deflect or make excuses.

He flat-out admitted he leaked the engagement because wanted to lock down his future with Claire.

Padgett actually respected his blatant honesty.

“You’re a sharp one,” Padgett scoffed. “But did you bother asking Claire how she felt about it?”

“What if she didn’t want the world knowing?”

“She’s young, just starting college. There are plenty of guys her age on campus who share her interests.”

“She’s at a top-tier university surrounded by exceptional men.”

“Ruining her market value is just your way of locking her down, isn’t it?”

Padgett was being deliberately difficult, throwing a mild tantrum.

Baldrick didn’t intervene; he knew his grandson could handle the heat.

Dane remained completely unfazed. “If Claire actually falls for someone else that guy will have to prove he’s better than me first.” .net

“I know college is full of temptations and guys vying for her attention.”

“But I highly doubt she’d drop a fiancé like me for any of them.”

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