The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 344

"Octavia felt really bad about it afterward, you know. She didn’t mean for things to turn out that way."

"And didn’t she sign you up for all kinds of activities later? You basically got to pick whatever you wanted. All that talent of yours… she helped you build that, at least a little," Latham said, still trying to take Octavia’s side.

Claire looked at him, her voice steady. "She just wanted me to rack up achievements so she could brag to everyone else. It wasn’t about me. It was all so she could look good."

Latham shook his head. "That’s pretty harsh, Claire. I think you’re seeing the worst in her."

Claire studied his face for a moment, her eyes searching. "Or maybe you just see only the best in your wife. Ever consider that?"

She left it there, not interested in arguing any further.

Latham had given her a red envelope, and she’d accepted it without another word.

Pandora had also given Cindy one for the New Year, so it didn’t feel out of place.

Shirley was the extra guest who hadn’t really been expected, but she’d ended up with a red envelope too. She clung to Claire's arm, grinning. "Your grandma gave me one! Can you believe it? I peeked. It’s twelve hundred bucks."

"Didn’t they always say people out here were poor? Is it okay for me to keep this? Should I give it back to you? You can return it to your grandma if you want."

Out of everyone in the James family, Claire was the only one Pandora had truly raised. Shirley and Pandora weren’t close. Part of the reason Shirley didn’t get along with Claire was because she always thought their grandma favored Claire.

And Lance? He was already grown up, never really needing much from Pandora at all.

"No, it’s all right," Claire said. "If Pandora gave it to you, she means it. She wouldn't hand it over if she couldn’t afford it."

She lowered her voice, like she was letting Shirley in on a secret. "Honestly, we just sold an agarwood pillow for twenty million."

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