Chapter 210
Claire once said she was recording, then later claimed she was only joking, which left Octavia completely unsure what to believe. But now Claire said she actually had an audio recording of her meeting with Molly, and that made Octavia start to panic.
“I didn’t follow you. Someone just happened to run into you and overheard what you were talking about. They sent the recording to me.” Claire’s voice was steady. “If no one had sent me that recording, I don’t think I’d have believed you’d do something like this either p>
Octavia’s nails were digging so hard into her palm she could almost feel them breaking the skin. Molly, you absolute idiot.
“So, you called the police because you just decided it was me?” Octavia didn’t bother pretending anymore. Without having to look Claire in the eye, she let her real feelings show.
The shift in Octavia’s expression made Cindy shrink back a little. It was only now that she realized just how far her mom had gone for her. Part of her was moved by how much her mom would do, but another part felt like she didn’t even know who Octavia was anymore. Right now, Cindy was honestly a little scared of her.
“No, that’s not it. I called the police because I want them to clear my name as soon as possible. I still have to get ready for winter camp. I really don’t have the time or energy to argue with people online,” Claire answered.
Fletcher thought Claire’s response was completely reasonable. But to Octavia, it sounded like Claire was taking shots at Cindy for stirring things up online.
“Claire, Cindy did say some things online she shouldn’t have. I called to check on you, and also to have Cindy apologize.” Octavia gave Cindy a look. “Go on. Apologize to Claire p>
Cindy hadn’t thought her random online comments would ever get her in trouble with the police. Her mind was spinning. And her mom… Was she really on her side, or Claire’s? Cindy hesitated, lips pressed together, not moving to take the phone.
Octavia’s gaze turned icy, but her voice stayed gentle. “Cindy, didn’t you say you wanted to apologize to Claire p>
All Cindy saw in her mother’s eyes was a warning. There was no warmth there at all. With her eyes getting red, Cindy finally took the phone and mumbled, “Claire, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have posted those things online. Just… I wasn’t thinking straight. Molly kept telling me you were better than me, that it’s because you grew up in the James family p>
As she pushed the blame onto Molly, Cindy’s thoughts started to clear.
“I don’t even know why, but after hearing that so many times… Claire, can you
forgive me? I know I messed up p>
“Yes, Claire, Cindy really does know she was wrong. I was so upset, I even slapped her.” Octavia jumped in, backing Cindy up.
“See? Cindy’s apologized. Can’t we
just move on from this? As for your classmate, even though what she did was
wrongs thankfully you’ weren’t really hurt. You two still have to see each other in class, søthere’s no need to make things ugly. Let’s
just have her post an apology online and clear things up p>
Octavia just wanted to end this as quickly as possible, without letting herself get dragged in.
Claire hadn’t expected Octavia to try to sweep it under the rug so easily. She was clever, always steering the conversation away from herself and putting the blame on Molly.
“I don’t think that’s going to work.” Claire glanced at Fletcher, then back at Octavia. “It was the teacher in charge of winter camp who took me to the police. The police are already involved so it’s not something I can just drop anymore p>