The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 16

Why does my daughter always want to keep all this junk?

“It’s a birthday present from Grandma,” Cindy answered, her face lighting up as she ran her fingers over the necklace. Pearls shimmered along the chain, and right in the middle, a pink diamond caught the light. It was delicate and pretty, and Cindy looked absolutely smitten.

Octavia barely spared it a glance when she opened the box. “Since your grandma gave it to you, why don’t you give it to Claire instead? Whatever jewelry you like, I’ll buy it for you, honey.”

She didn’t believe anything from that old woman in the countryside could be worth much. The last thing she wanted was for her daughter to get attached to this so-called grandmother. Anything from Pandora, she’d rather Cindy just leave behind.

Pandora noticed Cindy leaving the pearl necklace on the table, but she just stayed quiet. She understood exactly what Octavia was doing and didn’t try to stop her.

In the end, all Cindy walked away with was a couple of books.

“Claire, be good for your grandma. If you ever want to come home, the James family will always welcome you,” Octavia said, clutching Claire’s hand like she didn’t want to let go.

Claire gently pulled free and smiled politely. “Thank you, Octavia.”

“Pearce, bring out the thank-you gifts we put together,” Pandora called out.

“On it.” Pearce darted inside to grab the sacks of mountain goods they’d prepared.

Octavia’s face turned cold. “That’s really not necessary. There’s nothing special out here in the countryside… I mean, you should just keep those for yourselves.”

“We really don’t need anything,” Pandora replied calmly.

“Just leave them for Claire,” Octavia said quickly, before turning to her family. “Lance, Cindy, it’s late. We should get back to the city.”

Before Pearce even made it outside with the sacks, Octavia and her family were already speed-walking toward the car, moving like they were being chased.

“Where did everyone go?” Pearce called, coming out with two giant bags stuffed full and awkwardly heavy.

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