The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 295

“I’ll just say I did it, not Mom. You were only trying to help me.” Cindy’s voice was soft, but there was a strength behind it that made Octavia’s heart ache.

“Cindy, I know I did this for you, but you don’t have to take the blame.” Octavia reached out, her hand trembling a little. “Lance is right. If you admit to this, school will become a nightmare. The other kids will shut you out.”

Octavia understood all too well. Now that everything was exposed, all the sympathy they might have had was gone. People wouldn’t talk about how the James family had raised Claire for eighteen years. They’d just say the family was cruel, that they’d pushed out an adopted daughter who had done nothing wrong. What was so terrible about an adopted daughter getting good grades? Why force her to quit the competition and pay people online to ruin her name?

“I’m not scared.” Cindy shook her head, her eyes steady. “If it’s for you, Mom, I’d do anything.”

Octavia hesitated. She could let Cindy take the fall. Maybe it would make things easier for her. But then Cindy would be the one everyone blamed.

“Let’s not rush. I’ll talk to Claire first,” Octavia said gently.

“Let me do it.” Cindy looked up, a stubborn tilt to her chin. She knew her mother was the only one who really cared about her in this family. As long as she kept Octavia on her side, she would still have a place here, a shot at being the James family’s heiress. If even her mother turned away, then life here would be no better than it was back in the countryside.

At first, she worried the family wouldn’t accept her. Then she realized her mother loved her so much she’d even kicked Claire out just to make room for her. The James family had eighteen years with Claire. What if they cared about Claire more? The thought made Cindy anxious, and she started trying to outdo Claire at everything.

“Mom, I’m sorry. I’ve made things so hard for you.” Cindy’s voice was full of regret as she thought about how stubborn she’d been lately.

“Silly girl, you’re my daughter. For you, I’d take on the whole world.” Octavia pulled her into a hug, holding her close as if nothing could ever come between them.