The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 162

Claire hadn’t meant anything serious with her last comment. She was just talking, really. But the second the words left her mouth, Vera’s whole expression changed.

Vera frowned. “You actually think that?”

She didn’t say anything else, just stood there. That silence said it all.

Claire sighed. “Did you come up with that on your own, or did someone put that idea in your head? You might want to check who’s been saying this stuff to you. Feels like someone’s stirring up drama and wants you to take the blame. Look, I’m a senior in high school. My only goal right now is to get into the university I want, not mess around with some love triangle. And honestly, with my skills, do you really think I couldn’t find someone way better than your so-called fiancé?”

Her words landed hard, so much so that even Dane, who had just shown up, glanced over in surprise. Claire really was impressive, and it was clear she wasn’t distracted by all this relationship nonsense.

Catching Dane in her peripheral vision, Claire called out, “Give me a second,” and headed his way.

Dane was there to pick her up. They’d arranged for her to help Baldrick with acupuncture that evening, so he’d timed it just right to catch her after school.

“You’re here?” Claire greeted, her tone casual.

Dane nodded. “Yeah.”

Without warning, Claire slipped her arm through his. She leaned in, voice low. “Do me a favor. Just go along with it.”

Vera finally found her voice. “Who is he?” she asked, eyes wide. Compared to York and that immature Leo, Dane was in a whole different class. Vera’s eyes lit up with surprise. If she hadn’t already set her sights on Leo, she probably would’ve fallen for Dane right then and there.

Claire grinned. “He’s obviously the better option. That’s why you shouldn’t just date the guys in your little circle. Look around more, you might find someone way better.”

Vera looked stunned, like Claire had just flipped a switch in her brain.

“So… is this why you dropped York so easily?” she mumbled. “Is his family richer than the Byrons?”

The crowd leaned in, hungry for gossip. Some people had already noticed York standing there, making the whole situation even juicier. Was York even aware that Claire had only agreed to break off their engagement because she had someone even better lined up? Probably not. Maybe the Byron family was still busy looking down on Claire for not being a real heiress, never realizing she didn’t care about them at all anymore.