Chapter 176

Lance noticed that Cindy didn’t bring up what happened, so he kept quiet too. There was no way he’d mention something so embarrassing, especially with Claire and their grandmother still out in the yard. If they overheard, he’d never live it down.

Claire acted like she hadn’t seen the mess they were in. Octavia, feeling a little sorry for her kids, hurried them off to shower and change. “The Byron family will be here any minute. You can’t greet them looking like this p>

She took Cindy with her, fussing over her outfit and taking time to do her makeup. When she was done, Cindy looked stunning, her features delicate and soft. Octavia felt pretty proud of her own handiwork.

Cindy slipped into the pretty dress Octavia had picked out for her, looking sweet and demure, like the perfect girl next door. Claire, on the other hand, hadn’t dressed up at all. She was still in her puffy winter jacket, looking completely casual next to Cindy.

But somehow, even without a touch of makeup, Claire’s beauty stood out. Her bare face was striking. Some people were just born with an advantage, and Claire was definitely one of them.

Latham got home first. Not long after, the Byron family arrived. Everyone went outside to greet the guests, except for Pandora and Claire.

“Where’s Claire?” Olga asked as soon as she stepped inside.

Olga had always liked Claire. She’d watched her grow up, knew her inside and out, and honestly thought she was an excellent choice for a daughter-in-law. She’d always felt a little proud to mention it to her friends. But now, everyone knew the match had changed, and a few women in their circle had even laughed at her son for marrying a girl who grew up in the countryside. Even though Cindy was also from the James family, she just didn’t measure up to Claire.

Today, not seeing Claire and suddenly being introduced to Cindy, Olga couldn’t help but size her up. Cindy looked nice, especially after Octavia’s careful touch. She wasn’t Claire, but she wasn’t awful either.

“Cindy, come say hello to York’s parents,” Octavia prompted.

“Hello,” Cindy said quickly, her voice soft and polite. Still, she seemed a little

nervous.

Octavia noticed and sighed to herself. Cindy hadn’t grown up at home and never really learned how to handle herself in situations like this. Even a simple greeting made her look awkward.

Frederic, though, kept things light. He smiled and welcomed Cindy, putting her at

ease.

Meanwhile, Claire had heard

everyone arrive, but she stayed inside with Pandora, gently

massaging her shoulders. She’d ne

learned the technique from Hafe and her hands found all the tight spots. Pandora was so relaxed she looked like she might drift off to sleep.

When Frederic and Olga finally came into the room, Claire greeted them, then went quiet again.

“We haven’t seen you in a few days, Claire. You seem so distant now,” Olga said, her tone warm and friendly.

But Claire knew it was just for show. Olga was using every word as both a compliment to her and a warning to Cindy making it clear she happy about the switch The message was obvious. If the James

family wanted their daughter to be treated well by the Byron’s, they’d have to give a little extra.

Boosting their daughter’s worth was part of the game. Claire didn’t have to be a business genius to figure that out. Let alone someone as experienced as Latham. He saw right through it, remembering the conversation he had with his wife the night before.

Since the Byrons weren’t satisfied anymore, they’d have to increase the wedding gift. Instead of the three percent company shares they

promised Claire Cindy would

fet

five percent. The Byrons had also promised Claire three percent when she married into their family. But now, with Cindy in her place and the Byrons unhappy, everything had just gotten a lot more expensive.