The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 150

Lance just stood there, acting like the James family had always treated her so well. He looked at Claire, veins popping in his neck, clearly furious. “You can pay back the money, sure, but what about everything else? All the care and love we gave you? How do you plan on returning that?”

His eyes stayed locked on Claire, like he was ready to tear her apart.

Claire frowned, feeling the weight of his words. Had the James family really poured their hearts into her? Latham was always more concerned with his own image than actually caring about her. He barely ever checked in, unless it made him look good. Octavia was even tougher, always strict, and gave her way less allowance than Lance ever got. All those tutors and classes—they were never really for Claire. They just wanted her to shine, so they could brag about it. If they weren’t so obsessed with appearances, they probably wouldn’t have bothered to push her at all.

And Lance… she and Lance had argued about everything since they were kids. Back then, it was harmless, but as they got older, things changed. It started getting weird, especially whenever she talked to a boy at school. Lance would get all worked up, sometimes even go through her things to see if any guys had written her notes. Sometimes, Claire wondered if he actually liked her, but she pushed that thought away. The idea just made her feel sick.

“I told you already, I’ll tutor Cindy,” Claire said, trying to keep her voice calm.

Lance wouldn’t let it go. “Just move into the apartment across from campus. It’s not going to take much of your time to help Cindy out.”

Claire looked at him, then glanced at Cindy, who stood there biting her lip, not saying a word.

“I’m not moving into your place,” Claire said quietly. “I don’t have anything to do with the James family anymore. And your key? I already gave it to Cindy. You’re her brother, it makes more sense for her to live there anyway.”

Lance’s expression shifted, clearly not expecting that answer.

Cindy glanced at Lance, looking nervous. “Lance, wasn’t the apartment meant for me? I thought Claire was telling the truth.” She dug the key out of her bag and held it out. “Here. I’ll give it back. I can just go home, I don’t need the apartment.”

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