The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 201

Fletcher listened with a look of genuine sympathy, and it was clear he wanted to believe Claire was innocent. “It’s not enough for me to just take your word for it. We’ll look into this, and if you really had nothing to do with it, we’ll make sure everyone knows the truth.”

He paused, concern etched across his face. “But right now, it’s just your word. If your adoptive mother comes forward and blames you instead, the public might turn on you.” Even the Competition Association could face criticism.

“People will say you’re ungrateful,” Wendy whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

She was right. Everyone nodded in agreement. Without any solid proof, blaming her adoptive mother would only make things worse for Claire. She knew that all too well.

“I actually do have proof,” Claire said softly.

The room immediately fell silent, every eye on her.

“What kind of proof? Is it reliable?” Lemuel was the first to break the silence. He looked anxious. He just wanted to clear Claire’s name so she could get started with the winter training camp.

Claire blinked, a little hesitant but steady. “I have a recording.”

Lemuel looked surprised, at a loss for words. Was Claire really recording her conversations with her adoptive mother? Maybe she always had to be on guard around her. But if she hadn’t been so careful, she’d have no way to defend herself. She could have been forced out of the camp over a lie.

Len, always straightforward, just looked relieved. “Thank goodness you have that recording. Otherwise, you’d never be able to talk your way out of this.”

Claire couldn’t help but agree, thinking to herself, isn’t that the truth.

“It’s not like I went out of my way to record it,” Claire explained. “My friend actually overheard my adoptive mother talking about it and recorded the conversation. She sent it to me after.”

“That’s when I realized I had to be extra careful.”

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