The Billionaire's True Heiress: From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 605

“Very soon. Tomorrow, actually.”

Claire spoke lightly, cracking open a crab leg as if the whole matter didn’t concern her at all.

Pearce wasn’t so calm. “Aren’t you nervous?”

The whole town was anxiously waiting to see whether Claire would be named valedictorian after the state exams—but you wouldn’t guess it from her demeanor.

“Why be nervous? Whatever happens, happens. Besides, I’ve already got my early admission offer to fall back on.”

Claire had turned down her early-admission offer, but Cabinda University still wanted her badly enough to keep the place open until her results came in.

When the admissions committee found out she planned to apply to med school, the math department nearly tore their hair out in frustration.

They did their best to persuade Claire to rethink her decision, but her mind had been made up long ago.

“A calm attitude is a blessing,” Pandora said, finishing her second crab and beaming at her granddaughter. In her eyes, composure was always worth praising.

After dinner, Pandora scooped up Kitty and wandered out for an evening stroll in the little yard.

Claire helped Patti gather the plates and silverware, but as soon as everything hit the counter, Patti shooed her away.

“Go on, get some air. I’ll handle the dishes.”

Pearce wandered into the kitchen a moment later. “Exactly, Claire. We’ve got it covered—go keep Pandora company.”

With their gentle insistence, Claire could only shrug and head outside.

Unsurprised, Pandora hefted Kitty a little higher and greeted her granddaughter. “Look, Claire’s here to see you,” she crooned to the cat.

Claire reached for the animal, settling Kitty comfortably in her arms. “Grandma, why don’t you come stay with me in Apex for a little while?”

Pandora shook her head with a gentle smile. “It’s getting hotter by the day, and it’s much cooler here than in Apex.”

Claire knew there was no convincing her grandmother, and in truth, she didn’t worry. When Pandora felt like traveling, she would simply go.

Outside, Claire shared stories and photos from her journey to scenic Montara, and Pandora, eyes shining, leaned in closer.

“I’ve been to Montara, myself—back in my younger days. The mines out in Kaston were originally bought up by my grandfather. In his day, people would flock wherever there was money to be made.”

“Montara’s come a long way,” Claire agreed.

“And you, you’ve always had a remarkable streak of luck. I used to do a little gem bidding myself,” Pandora reminisced, laughing. “Being the James family’s darling daughter, anything I wanted to try, my father would make happen for me.”

As for gemstone auctions, she’d traveled to Kaston and made her name with a single bold bid.

But Pandora had never lost herself to the thrill of the gamble. Her luck, unlike Claire’s, wasn’t blind fortune—it was preparation.

Whenever Pandora wanted to master something new, she made sure to learn every rule, refusing to take risks where the odds weren’t on her side.