The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 319

"Thanks, Claire. I’m digging in!"

The caramel-roasted pumpkin was warm, sweet, and smelled absolutely amazing. Vernon barely had the takeout box open before the scent hit him. His stomach started growling so loud he was a little embarrassed. He swallowed, trying to play it cool.

"Go ahead, eat," Claire said gently, not meeting his eyes. She wanted to give him a little space.

She and Dane strolled over to a bench off to the side and sat down together. They’d barely settled when someone showed up. It was Virgil, and he wasn’t alone—an older man was with him, followed by a handful of people, including a few doctors.

"Mr. Walden, Van still hasn’t woken up," Virgil explained, voice careful and steady, "but both of the doctors from last night say he’s almost out of danger. You really don't have to worry too much."

A deputy director from the hospital added, standing just at Walden’s elbow. "Mr. Walden, you can relax. We’ve assigned Van the best doctors, and our staff is watching over him round the clock."

Walden only grunted, his gaze wandering to where Dane and Claire sat.

"Dane, what are you doing here?" he asked, recognition flickering in his eyes.

Dane had already stood up. "I heard about Van and wanted to check on him."

Dane and Van went way back. They'd been best friends since childhood—nothing had ever really come between them, not even their different paths as adults. The minute Dane heard Van was sent to this hospital, he dropped everything and came, ignoring the usual superstitions about visiting on New Year's Day.

Walden liked Dane. Always had.

"Thank you for being here for him," Walden said, nodding. "Van’s lucky to have a brother like you."

He turned to Claire, as if about to say something else, but Dane stepped in. "This is my fiancée, Claire."

Claire’s eyes went huge—she clearly hadn’t expected Dane to say it like that. Walden looked just as surprised, then he laughed and clapped Dane on the shoulder.

"Look at you, all grown up with a fiancée already," Walden said, shaking his head with a smile. "But your fiancée isn’t just beautiful, she’s incredible. If she hadn’t stepped up and stopped the bleeding last night, Van might not have made it."

"Mr. Walden," Claire greeted politely, standing straight but relaxed.

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