The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 744

Padgett knew she was right in theory, but people with their level of talent were targets wherever they went, highly vulnerable to espionage and attacks.

Before meeting his granddaughter, Padgett had given up all hope of his daughter's survival. He had braced himself for the absolute worst long ago.

But after seeing Claire, a tiny spark of hope had reignited. What if his daughter did come back one day? Just like Claire's sudden appearance, it would be a miraculous surprise for the Churchill family.

A crowd of village kids swarmed around Claire, eagerly eating the ceremonial pastries that were said to bless them with academic success. Claire was more than happy to play with them. However, Jim hesitated on the sidelines, refusing to approach.

Noticing his gloomy mood, Claire sidestepped the other kids and went straight to him.

"Jim, what's wrong?"

Jim looked a bit sheepish when he saw the Clan Successor approaching him.

"Clan Successor, I..."

Claire gently cut him off. "Just call me Claire."

Being called 'Clan Successor' felt like an unbearable weight on her shoulders.

"Claire, my dad didn't come back," Jim mumbled.

His father worked out of town, and Jim had assumed that since the whole village was attending her Ivy Gala, his dad would surely return for it, too.

The fact that The James Village hadn't banished him and severed all ties was an act of pure mercy. He was a textbook case of a loose cannon; if he hadn't run his mouth, the old patriarch might never have been targeted by the mob.

After all, the entire village had been fiercely protective of their old leader. However, neither the late patriarch nor Pandora ever blamed him. It was Arthur who couldn't forgive himself.

"But I don't have your dad's number. Why don't we go find your mom first?" Claire suggested, seamlessly pivoting the plan.

Jim's mother was from a neighboring village and had been a stay-at-home mom since getting married. She had a slight disability in her left hand, but Jim's family had never looked down on her for it and had even offered a generous wedding gift to her family.

It took a few years of marriage before Jim was born, and the couple genuinely loved each other. When Claire led Jim over to his mother, the woman looked incredibly flattered.

"Clan Successor!"