The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 242

“No need, really. I’ll take care of it. If you make it to the next round, you can treat us then,” Claire said, turning Leo down right away.

She wasn’t really rejecting Leo, though. She just didn’t want Linsey to feel awkward. The whole point was to make Linsey comfortable. If Leo chipped in, it would feel like the winners were supposed to pay for everyone else, and Linsey had advanced too.

Leo seemed to get what Claire meant. He gave a half-smile and rubbed his nose. “Alright, next time’s on me.”

Whether there’d actually be a next time, he honestly wasn’t sure.

He’d only offered because he and Len shared the same concern. Everyone knew Claire’s parents were gone and she just had her grandma in the countryside. He wondered if paying for a big meal like this was too much for her. At their age, teenagers could eat a small fortune in one sitting. Still, the James family usually took good care of Claire, so she probably had some money of her own.

Besides, Leo didn’t think Claire was the type to act like she had more than she did.

Linsey didn’t say anything—just shot Claire a grateful look.

Claire saw it, but acted like she didn’t notice.

They all hopped on the bus and headed to a famous roast duck restaurant in Cabinda. The place was always packed, but with the snow falling and the cold settling in, not as many people were out. They didn’t have to wait long for a table.

Sodas in hand, they cheered each other on as dinner wrapped up—wishing Claire and the others good luck in IMO, and hoping everyone’s future would be bright.

Nanette started tearing up, which didn’t surprise anyone—she was always the sentimental one.

“I don’t know if we’ll get another chance to meet, but I’ll definitely miss you all,” she sniffled. “I hope those of you who advanced end up on the international stage. I want to see you win gold medals on the news.”

Len took a swig of his Coke. “Come on, don’t cry. If we all get into college in Cabinda, we’ll have plenty of chances to hang out again, right?”

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