Chapter 14

Claire shot her a look. “No, they were always yours. There’s nothing for me to take p>

“Claire, do you have to be so snarky with Cindy?” Lance finally spoke up. To him, Claire was just picking on Cindy. Growing up in the countryside, Cindy was soft- spoken and gentle, nowhere near a match for Claire.

“I don’t think I said anything wrong, did I p>

Lance was about to retort, but Claire cut him off. “Don’t talk to me. You annoy me just by being here.” She didn’t bother hiding her impatience.

Lance stared at her, stunned that she could be even more dismissive than he was.

“You’re Cindy’s brother, right?” Pandora turned to Lance.

“Yeah.” Lance’s attitude shifted instantly with Pandora. He wasn’t nearly as pushy now. Something about her presence, the way she carried herself as the family matriarch, made him uneasy. This wasn’t what he’d expected at all.

Still, the fact that Pandora was so respected in the village only made him feel worse for Cindy. If Pandora was in charge, yet Cindy’s life here had been so tough, didn’t that mean Pandora hadn’t treated her well?

“Lance, you’ve always looked out for Cindy. I bet you were just as protective of Claire back then.” Pandora’s tone was light, almost friendly.

“Claire, you should toast Lance. Thank him for all his help over the years p>

The words sounded polite enough, but Lance felt the sting of sarcasm underneath.

And wouldn’t you know it, Claire went along with it. She poured herself some tea, then filled a glass with liquor and handed it to Lance.

“Thanks for everything you’ve done for me, Lance.” Claire raised her cup.

Lance opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He just knocked back the drink in one gulp.

The liquor burned all the way down. He started coughing, face turning red. “Agh… cough, cough p>

Claire tried to hold back her laughter, but she couldn’t. She was honestly enjoying the show.

Cindy shot her a look of disapproval, then hurried to help Lance. She patted his back. “Lance, are you okay p>

“Cough… Don’t worry, Cindy, I’m fine.” Lance waved her off, trying to play it cool.

“It’s my fault,” Cindy said quietly. “I forgot to warn you, this is strong local liquor. You’re probably not used to it p>

She sounded apologetic, but who she was actually blaming was anyone’s guess.

Pandora watched Cindy, unimpressed by her act. Cindy just didn’t have that James family energy.

Pandora turned to Octavia, lifting her glass. “I’d like to toast you, too, Octavia. Thanks for raising Claire p>

Octavia looked uncomfortable. One

glass had nearly knocked her son out, so there was no way she was drinking that stuff. Besides, who knew if home-brewed village liquor was even safe?

“Sorry, Pandora. I don’t drink,” Octavia said smoothly, lying without hesitation.

No one called her out on it.

Pandora gave her a long, meaningful look. “Not used to the country alcohol, I suppose p>

“Claire, pour Octavia some tea p>

Claire quickly poured the tea, and Octavia finally took a sip, saving face.

“I should thank you too, Pandora, for

taking care of Cindy all these years. I heard she started cooking for

herself when she was

La kid p>

Now Octavia sounded like she was looking for a fight. ‘

The villagers at the table shot her unfriendly glances.

Pandora stayed calm. She glanced at Cindy. “That’s right. Cindy didn’t like my cooking, so she started making her own meals when she was really little. Honestly, the kid’s had it tough living with me.

“So true,” Octavia nodded, completely missing the sarcasm.

Before Pandora could say anything, Octavia looked over at Claire.