The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 178

At last, Claire wasn't the only one getting under Olga's skin. Hearing Claire’s words, Olga was so surprised she actually choked on her own saliva. She’d expected Claire to seize this chance to make all sorts of demands, but instead, Claire just said, “No hard feelings.” That almost made her seem... generous. The James family really did know how to raise their kids.

Still, Olga couldn’t help but wonder. Was Claire looking down on her son? Otherwise, why would she be so quick to let things go? But she quickly put on her best smile and responded smoothly, “You’ve always been so thoughtful, dear. You never want to make things difficult for your parents.”

“They say a mother can’t choose between the palm of her hand and the back of her hand...” Olga paused for effect. “After the engagement is called off, York will still be like your big brother. If you ever need anything, you can always come to me.”

“Or go to York, if you’d rather.”

Claire thought, thanks, but no thanks. She smiled sweetly and agreed without a second thought.

With that, Claire’s part in this whole affair was pretty much over. She even brought out the engagement keepsake she’d been given years ago and handed it back. As she did, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders.

In front of everyone, Olga turned and gave the gift to Cindy. “Cindy, this was passed down from York’s great-grandmother. Please don’t mind that we didn’t get you something else. Heirlooms from our elders are tokens of faith, more precious than anything new.”

“Claire is taking me back to the country tonight. She’s going to stay with me,” Pandora announced.

When Latham heard his mom was heading back to the country, he felt a pang of discomfort. Ever since he’d married the woman he loved, and Pandora made it clear she didn’t care for Octavia, things between mother and son had grown distant. Pandora was never the type to force herself to get along with someone just to please her son. Octavia had tried to win Pandora over, but only for Latham’s sake. Pandora had flat out said she liked living alone and didn’t want the noise and chaos of a crowded house.

So Latham had no choice but to accept it. Now, seeing his mother refuse to stay even one night just because Claire was leaving, he felt a heavy weight settle in his chest.