Chapter 1896
But seeing his granddaughter repeatedly subjected to such life-threatening danger, Padgett was genuinely terrified that if he looked away for even a second-
“Grandpa, you can’t really blame me for this one. Who knew those psychos would be that brazen?”
To kill her, they had actually orchestrated a massive multi-car pileup.
The crash had dragged several innocent bystanders into the chaos, leaving Claire burdened with a heavy sense of guilt.
Both The Churchill Group and Vertex International were well aware of Claire’s distress. They had quietly stepped in, distributing generous charitable compensation to everyone impacted by the crash.
Fortunately, the identities of the casualties were highly suspicious, all tied to the syndicate. The truck driver who caused the wreck was identified as a degenerate gambler.
He had buried himself in loans he couldn’t pay, ultimately driving him to take the suicide job.
Claire didn’t feel a shred of pity for a man like that.
“Dane is coming over shortly. Did he mention it to you?”
Seeing that Claire didn’t want to dwell on the accident, Padgett swiftly changed the subject.
Claire nodded. “He told me.”
“Grandpa. Claire. Dane. Owen…”
Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Dane strode into the room right on cue.
He was carrying an array of gifts, which the butler immediately stepped forward to take off his hands.
He naturally gravitated toward Claire and took the seat right beside her.
“Dane, you’re always so swamped with work. You really didn’t need to go out of your “way to visit.”
Padgett was deeply protective of his granddaughter, but he couldn’t be too harsh on the man who had already earned his silent approval as a future grandson-in-law.
Dane glanced at Claire before seamlessly replying to the old man. “I’m never too busy for this.”
“I was worried about Claire’s recovery.”
Even though he had personally visited her at the hospital and forced her to stay admitted for a few extra days to ensure she was stable, he still couldn’t shake his anxiety.
He never truly knew if she was okay, because this girl had a terrible habit of burying her pain and only sharing good news.
The dinner itself wasn’t the main event; it was the lively conversation and sharing of recent family gossip that truly mattered.
Surrounded by family, Claire completely relaxed, leaning comfortably back in her chair after a massive meal.
“Owen, you were trending all over social media today. Care to explain yourself?”
As soon as dinner wrapped up, his mother immediately went on the offensive.
Karla’s question instantly locked everyone’s eyes onto Owen.
Ket
Before he could even open his mouth, Karla fired another shot. told you to settle down and find a steady girlfriend, but you refused to listen.”
“Look what happened! You were almost eaten alive by a grifter!”
“If you ever get trapped into becoming a baby daddy to someone else’s kid, don’t
you dare call me your mother!”
Karla’s tone was dripping with absolute disdain.
“Mom, you’re being a little dramatic, don’t you think?”
“The whole thing is already resolved, right?”
Owen flashed his signature, unapologetic grin.
“Who exactly is that woman?” Karla had zero intention of letting any potential threats slip by.
The Churchill family was harmonious, and they didn’t need a toxic drama queen ruining their peace.
The fact that someone dared to target Owen meant they had absolutely no respect for the Churchill name.
Had Karla been too soft these past couple of years?
Did people genuinely believe her son was an easy target?
“She’s an old classmate from high school.” Realizing his mother was dead serious, Owen immediately dropped the grin.
“When I was young and stupid, I had
them today at a diner Xavio
of her older sister. I
andomly bumped into the two of
owns.”
Karla instantly locked onto the flaw in his story. “So they specifically went there to corner you?”
Owen thought about it for a second. “They were probably trying to corner Xavier.” “Xavier used to have a massive crush on the younger sister.”
Karla rolled her eyes so hard it hurt. “You two really are cut from the same cloth.”
One went for the older sister, the other went for the younger sisters Did they share a brain along with their terrible taste in women?
The rest of the family shot Owen highly amused, judgmental looks.
Owen felt his face heat up in embarrassment.
Was it possible Xavier had actively dragged his standards down?
His entire family was mocking him. What exactly was his crime here?
It was called the foolishness of youth, okay!