Chapter 166

Claire shot a look at Lance, instantly prickly. “What’s this got to do with me? Claire, don’t just blame people for no reason p>

Claire didn’t even blink. “If you’re bold enough to act out, why are you so scared when people talk about it p>

She pulled out her phone. “Should I call the cops right now? You think the police just sit around all day and can’t figure things out p>

Molly caved in seconds. “I didn’t even say anything p>

“My parents are waiting for me at home, so I’m leaving p>

She’d planned to use this moment to chat with Lance, but now she was seriously worried Claire would actually call the police.

When did Claire get so hard to deal with? Back when she was still the James Family’s heiress, she would ignore everything Molly said, always keeping that cold, proud attitude. Now that she’d lost her title, it was like she didn’t care about appearances anymore. She’d just say whatever she wanted, clap back at anyone who tried to cross her.

Molly hated people like that. She always picked on the weak and avoided anyone who might fight back.

If Claire knew what was running through Molly’s head, she’d probably laugh. Before, as the James Family’s heiress, Molly only dared to talk smack behind her back- she’d never have the nerve to cause trouble face to face. Now, with Claire out from under the family’s protection, Molly finally had the guts to act tough.

But if Claire didn’t put her in her place now, Molly might actually think she was afraid.

Molly took off faster than a scared rabbit.

Cindy looked back at Claire, not ready to let it go. “Claire, I don’t think Molly’s that bad. She just talks without thinking. You shouldn’t take it so seriously p>

So, talks without thinking was just a nice way of saying she was blunt? And if she was blunt, did that mean Cindy thought Molly was only telling the truth?

“Wow, Cindy, you’re so fake it’s almost impressive,” Claire said out of nowhere.

Cindy froze, eyes wide, hurt and embarrassed. “Claire, do you… do you not like me p>

Claire grinned. “Oh, I’m just being honest. You know me, I say whatever comes to mind. You’re the bigger person, Cindy, just let it go, okay p>

She tossed Cindy’s own words right back, not missing a beat.

Dane watched Claire bicker, realizing they’d been standing around for ages, and finally nudged her. “We should get going p>

“Sure,” Claire said, still hanging onto his arm.

She hadn’t wanted to start anything with Cindy. After all, Cindy had already gotten the short end of the stick for eighteen years. But the way Cindy kept pushing her luck, Claire couldn’t help herself.

She leaned in close, voice low and sweet. “You know what I love? Seeing you hate me but never able todo thing about it, so yougust play the victim p>

Cindy looked like she was about to explode.

Claire!

Cindy was practically screaming inside, but Claire had already walked away, not giving her a second thought.

Claire didn’t see Cindy’s meltdown, but Lance definitely caught it.

“What did she say to you p>

Cindy turned to him, voice shaky, eyes shiny with tears. “Claire said she hates me p>

Wow, look who’s twisting the story now.

“What’s wrong with Claire? Why would she hate you?” Lance glared after Claire and Dane as they disappeared.

It was hard to tell if he was glaring at Claire or at Dane.

York, meanwhile, was more intrigued than ever. The girl he used to hang out with just because their parents

wanted them to, she looked so

much more alive now that she was out from under the James Family name. sŵnovels

And Cindy… well, she was something too. Watching her tremble and pout like she’d

just suffered the world’s worst injustice was almost entertaining.

Claire pulled Dane into the car and the moment the door closed, she dropped the

act and left them all behind.