Chapter 209

Claire had no idea what was happening at The Apex Hospital. Once she’d exposed Cindy as the culprit behind the rumors, she and Fletcher just went straight back to school.

The police handled the situation fast, probably because it involved a big competition. Fletcher mentioned Claire’s grades and how she might stand out at winter camp, maybe even make the team for the international competition, and suddenly the police cared a whole lot more. The gossip had already spread beyond the local forums, reaching international sites. People who followed math competitions were laughing at Solenia, saying it was a joke to let a “cheater” represent the country. If Claire couldn’t clear her name, even if she made the team, she’d end up being mocked and attacked by other countries’ teams. It would be a huge embarrassment for everyone.

There was never any doubt about Claire’s talent. The police checked all her old test results, and it was obvious she didn’t need to cheat. She was just that good.

On the way back to school, Claire’s phone rang. It was Octavia. She wasn’t surprised at all. Claire answered. “Hello p>

“Claire, do you have a minute to talk? It’s Mom.” Octavia’s voice sounded extra gentle, like she was trying to play nice.

“Octavia, what do you want?” Claire’s answer was sharp, cutting right through Octavia’s attempt at kindness.

“Claire, I just I heard about what’s happening online, with everyone accusing you of cheating p>

Claire frowned, not letting her finish. “Octavia, if there’s anyone who knows whether I cheated, it’s you. You’ve always been obsessed with my grades p>

Octavia stumbled over her words for a second. “Right, I never thought you’d cheat. Those people online are just talking nonsense. Don’t let it mess with you or the competition p>

Claire wondered what Octavia was really after. Was she calling just to remind her that everyone was talking trash online, hoping Claire would get upset? “I’m not worried. My math results have always been strong, and everyone at school trusts me p>

She didn’t mind twisting the knife a little. As expected, Octavia sounded disappointed, but she quickly pulled herself together.

“I knew you’d be fine. You’ve always done well, ever since you were a kid. Not like Cindy The mention of

Cindy made Octavia sigh. Sheet

glanced at her own daughter, whe was curled up beside her, looking totally defeated.

“Cindy’s just really sensitive. The stuff I said before, Claire, I only said it because I

was worried about her. I was upset. Don’t take it to heart p>

“I’m not bothered,” Claire answered right away. “Is there anything else? I just left the police station, and I need to get back to school p>

Hearing that, Octavia seemed to realize Claire might already know about her and Molly. “Claire, I called because wanted to explain. What’s happening online really isn’t my fault Molly was jealous of you. She wanted to use Cindy and one to make you look bad. She came to me and said Cindy was upset at school because you were joining the winter camp p>

Octavia was working hard to explain herself.

Claire waited until she was finished. “So you’re saying you never hinted to Molly that

she should stop me from going to the winter camp p>

Octavia denied it right away. “Of course not p>

“But I have proof,” Claire said, her voice calm. “I have a recording. You and Molly. Everything you said p>

Octavia’s voice dropped, and she

went quiet. “You were following me?” For a second, she thought the police had only heard the

conversation where she’d told Claire not to go to winter camp content