The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 516

“Grandpa just went abroad and disappeared, right?” Claire said. She figured with Pandora’s money, tracking down her grandfather shouldn’t be much of a challenge. But Pandora just didn’t seem too bothered. If she wasn’t interested in finding him, there wasn’t much a granddaughter could do to change her mind.

Everything was served pretty quickly, and Claire found herself too hungry for gossip anyway. The past couple of days, she’d been eating alright, but the college entrance exams had almost completely wiped her out. Her stomach growled, and she dove right in, eager for a break and a good meal.

They’d only been eating for a little while when Latham’s family showed up. Their private rooms were right next to each other. Jennifer brought out the last dessert herself, but Latham stopped her before she could leave.

“Hi Jennifer,” Latham said as he blocked her way. He had been there enough times that they recognized each other on sight—he, Claire’s adoptive father, and she, the restaurant manager.

Jennifer knew all about Latham, especially the rumors that the James family had kicked Claire out and sent her packing in the middle of the night after they found out she wasn’t their real daughter. With adoptive parents like that, Jennifer preferred to keep her distance. Who knew how long it would take the Lathams to notice Pandora’s wealth and try to cozy up? With Claire as Pandora’s only granddaughter, it wasn’t too hard to imagine them wanting a piece of her inheritance.

Jennifer didn’t bother hiding her cold opinion of them. “Latham, Octavia, are you here to celebrate your daughter’s exams?” she asked politely enough.

“Yeah, she just finished her college entrance tests. We thought it’d be nice to treat her to a good meal,” Latham replied. Then he added, “Do you host graduation parties? Like those banquets for top students?”

Jennifer’s brows lifted in honest surprise. “Your daughter’s at the top of her class? A valedictorian candidate?”

She glanced over at Cindy, sizing her up. Word was, Cindy had grown up under Pandora’s roof, but looking at her now, Jennifer thought she just didn’t have that air about her. It was a shame, really. Sometimes, she thought, blood ties just run too deep to change.

Cindy felt the sting of Jennifer’s words immediately, especially under that thinly veiled stare. It was obvious to her—Jennifer didn’t think she measured up.

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