The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 1

The Vanderbilt House was buzzing with excitement. The James family was throwing a huge party for Claire’s coming-of-age celebration.

Everyone knew Latham and Octavia’s daughter. Claire was stunning, smart, and talented, the kind of girl everyone admired.

As guests gathered around to compliment Claire, Lance showed up, leading in a girl who looked about Claire's age.

“Mom, Dad, Claire isn’t your real daughter. She’s just pretending to be!” Lance announced, his voice cutting through the chatter. “Cindy is the real daughter of the James family.”

He nudged Cindy forward. The moment everyone saw her face, the resemblance to Octavia was obvious.

A shockwave swept through the room. People gasped. Latham and Octavia stared, speechless.

Latham tried to brush it off, thinking Lance was joking, but then Lance pulled out two DNA reports.

He handed them over. “One’s Claire’s. It says she’s not related to you or Mom. The other one is Cindy’s. I could only test her with Mom since Dad was away, but it proves Cindy is your real daughter.”

Latham read the results. His face turned pale. “How could Claire not be my child? Who switched my baby?”

Octavia clutched the papers, her hands shaking, and then she fainted. Latham scooped her up and hurried out, not looking back.

Lance didn’t follow. He turned to Claire, eyes cold. “Well? Don’t just stand there. Go pack your things.”

Claire hadn’t said a single word. She just nodded and followed Lance home, Cindy trailing behind.

The guests looked at each other, whispering, eager to gossip about what they’d just seen.

Back at the James family house, Lance started barking orders. “Susan, Bebette, go upstairs with Claire. Help her pack, but don’t let her take anything valuable.”

The maids looked stunned.

Susan hesitated, then asked, “Lance, isn’t today supposed to be Claire’s big day?”

“Claire, maybe you should talk to your parents once they calm down. Maybe they’ll let you stay,” Susan whispered.

Bebette shook her head and pulled Susan away. “Don’t say that. Now that Cindy’s back, there’s no place for Claire.”

Hadn’t she seen how cold Lance was?

Lance showed up in the doorway, looking annoyed. “Why is this taking so long?”

Claire stopped packing. “I’m ready.”

She slung her backpack over her shoulder and picked up a small duffel bag with a few changes of clothes.

Lance gave her a half-smile. “Claire, don’t blame us. It’s not our fault you’re not a James.”

“We can’t make Cindy uncomfortable just to keep you around, right?”