The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 442

“Yeah.” Claire’s answer was short, like she didn’t want to get into it. Shirley picked up on her vibe right away and dropped the subject.

After they finished eating, they just chilled for a bit. An hour later, they decided to treat themselves to a spa. It was the reset they both needed. Once they felt relaxed, Claire headed home, with Shirley tagging along to her apartment.

Meanwhile, Cindy was at home, stewing in envy after hearing Claire had come in first in the selection round and scored a guaranteed spot at university. She’d already cried about it more than once, locked in her room with her dreams slipping through her fingers.

Octavia felt awful for her daughter but didn’t know what she could do. Was she supposed to stop Claire from going to the competition? That wasn’t realistic. If she couldn’t stop her, she might as well be gracious about it. At least Cindy was being mature this time. Even though she was heartbroken, she didn’t nag or make a scene. She just hated that she wasn’t as good as Claire.

These last few days, Octavia had been worried, always watching Cindy for signs she’d break down. She didn’t even dare let her go back home—what if Latham saw her like this and got annoyed? So Octavia had just moved in, staying at Cindy’s place to keep her company.

But honestly, Octavia hadn’t been in a great mood, either. Ever since she realized her husband was still talking to that old college classmate, her mind hadn’t settled. Fallon and Latham always had a weird vibe, so many years ago. If Octavia hadn’t been so ruthless back then, Fallon probably would’ve taken her place. Just thinking about it left her grinding her teeth, but she never let herself explode in front of Latham. She always had to swallow that anger.

And now, Fallon had reappeared. Octavia was afraid those two would start something up all over again. Just thinking about it made her more determined than ever. If Fallon tried anything this time, Octavia swore she’d destroy her reputation. Wasn’t Fallon just a schoolteacher? A teacher was supposed to be a role model. Octavia had already sent someone to dig up dirt on her.

Now, looking at Cindy’s gloomy face, Octavia felt her patience wearing thin.

“Cindy, didn’t I ask you to go downstairs and pick up a few things? What’s wrong now?”

“I saw Claire and Shirley.”

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