The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 804

It seemed the old woman back in The James Village had been wary of Cindy from the very beginning.

She had likely noticed long ago that Cindy looked nothing like her son or daughter-in-law, figuring out she wasn't her biological granddaughter.

Why else would the heirloom agarwood pillow and the prized wedding gift property never go to Cindy? Why else would such an impeccable marriage prospect slip right through Cindy's fingers?

Thankfully, Cindy wasn't his biological daughter either; she was the product of Octavia's affair.

That single fact brought Latham a twisted sense of comfort.

"Are you just going to stare at the keys?" Claire asked. "Do you not want them? Or would you rather move out to the country and live with Grandma?"

"She's used to her peace and quiet. If you move in, she'll end up having to take care of you, and it'll just be an unnecessary burden on her."

Hearing Claire's practical rundown finally snapped Latham out of his daze.

"You don't hate us anymore?"

"I never hated you," Claire replied mildly.

Her feelings toward the James family were complicated.

But they didn't include hatred.

She had prepared this apartment the moment she realized the family was heading for bankruptcy.

She had purchased a fully furnished property, ready for immediate move-in.

With three bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, and two bathrooms, it was more than enough space for Latham and Lance.

As for Octavia and Cindy, it was highly unlikely they would be living there anyway.

Latham had naturally realized the same thing, and he made sure to clarify, "Octavia and I are officially divorced."

Octavia had desperately wanted to protect her personal assets, so naturally, she sought to cut all ties with the bankrupt Latham.

Latham had simply let her go.

He hadn't done it for Octavia's sake, but for his son, Lance.

Whatever was in Octavia's name would eventually go to him anyway.

Octavia herself had promised that the vast majority of her wealth would be left to Lance.

Her daughter would probably just inherit some jewelry.

Back to Latham—after a long moment of hesitation, he accepted Claire's offer.

At his age, he wasn't exactly young, but he wasn't frail and elderly, either.

He still harbored dreams of a comeback, but he lacked the capital to make it happen.

Claire gifting him an apartment was truly a lifeline in his darkest hour.

Even if he just had to find a regular job now, at least he didn't have to worry about being homeless.

Could he really go back to the countryside and crash with his mother?

Aside from the fact that Mary couldn't stand him, the sheer humiliation of leaching off his elderly mother was a hurdle he couldn't overcome.

And so, Latham took the keys.

"Thank you, Claire."

Claire waved it off. "It's nothing. After all, you did raise me."

"If not for you, then for Grandma's sake. I don't want her worrying about you at her age."