Chapter 148

Cindy glanced at Lance, her eyes a little skeptical. “Yes, Lance. Took you long enough to figure it out p>

Lance grinned. “Claire’s got top grades. It makes sense for her to help you out. The James family gave her every educational advantage, so just think of her as a tutor your parents arranged. You really don’t have to worry about her grades suffering p>

He paused, then added, “How about this? On weekends, you two can do tutoring sessions. And in the evenings He thought for a second, picturing his apartment nearby. “My place is super close to school. Once Claire moves in there, you can go over after school. She can help you study for an hour, then you can either stay over or I’ll bring you home p>

Cindy was caught off guard. Lance wouldn’t spend money on a tutor, but he was happy to have Claire do it. Was it because he trusted her skills, or did he just think Claire owed them, since she’d gotten so much from the James family?

She couldn’t tell what was going on in his head.

Just then, Claire and Sophia came out together. Claire spotted Lance and immediately wanted to go the other way. She always got the feeling there was something off about him.

But Lance called out, “Claire, come here p>

Claire didn’t want to deal with him, but there were too many people around to ignore him. After all, everyone thought she was the one taking advantage of the James family, while Cindy was the poor victim.

“What’s up?” Claire walked over, Sophia sticking close. Sophia was determined not to let Claire face the James family alone. She was sure they’d gang up on her.

“You got in a car accident last night?” Lance asked.

Claire shot him a look. “Didn’t you already ask me that p>

Lance felt his temper bubbling, but he tried to hold it in. “I just mean, don’t go sticking your nose in other people’s business. You never know what could happen. You could get yourself hurt p>

He’d heard some rumors that the traffickers might go after Claire, and he’d been worried about her.

But Claire didn’t want that kind of attention. As far as she was concerned, she and Lance weren’t close. His harsh tone just made her care even less.

“Oh.” She managed to annoy him with a single word.

Lance felt his patience snap. “I’m trying to look out for you. Do you have to act like that p>

Claire gave him a half-smile. “Thanks for the concern. Is there anything else p>

“Did you move out of that guy’s place yet?” Lance suddenly remembered.

Claire gave him a weird look. “Why would I p>

“It’s awkward living in someone else’s house. I already gave you the key to my apartment, remember? You should just stay there. It’s close to school. And I know you don’t like the idea of living there for free, so how about this? Cindy says she Struggling with her classes, so you can tutor her. Every day after school, just an hour. I can come pick her up afterward p>

Lance sounded so matter-of-fact, like he was doing her a huge favor.

Claire almost laughed. Was he serious?

“She’s in her final year, and so am I. Sorry, but I don’t have time to tutor her every single night. If she can’t keep up, she can switch classes or your parents can hire her a tutor The James family isn’t exactly broke. Don’t tell me you can’t afford one p>

Claire honestly didn’t want to spend any more time with Cindy than

necessary. The best thing for nea

them was to just stay out of each other’s way.

of