Chapter 286

“I can take the exam myself,” Claire said, like it was no big deal.

Sammie noticed how casually she mentioned something as huge as the college entrance exams, but he didn’t think she was just bragging. If Claire said she could handle it, he was willing to believe her.

“As long as you’ve really thought it through,” he said. “No one can decide for you.” Claire nodded, agreeing without hesitation.

Not long after, Norris showed up to pick her up. He was at school that day too and had come over as soon as he heard Claire was with her teacher.

“Hello, Mr. Sammie,” Norris greeted politely before turning to Claire. “Claire, time to head home. Your uncle’s waiting for you p>

Claire stood up and carefully gathered the books Sammie had given her.

“Take them home and read when you have time. If you get stuck, you can always ask Norris,” Sammie said.

Even though he knew Claire wasn’t planning a future in mathematics, Sammie still had a little hope tucked away. Maybe she’d discover a spark of interest. He had no idea that the only reason Claire ever competed was because her adoptive parents loved seeing her rack up awards. Winning had just become a habit.

“Thank you, Mr. Sammie,” Claire said, picking up her books and bowing slightly in gratitude.

Sammie waved her off. “Go on, get going p>

“You should head home too, or your wife will be waiting for you,” Claire teased with a smile.

Sammie could only laugh, half exasperated. “Alright, alright, I’m going. I’ll make it in time for dinner, don’t worry p>

Norris took Claire back home. Meanwhile, Edison had managed to get on good terms with the Churchill family all on his own. Even Ophelia and Karla seemed happy with Kim, and since Caleb and Bishop were both in business, they found plenty to talk about with Edison

As soon as Claire and the others walked in, Ophelia told the kitchen to serve dinner. The meal tonight was even more extravagant than the night before. Edison had come bearing gifts, so of course the family wanted to treat him well. The Churchills weren’t like the James family who wouldn’t know quality if itbit them Just one glance at the gift boxes and everyone could tell that Edison had brought rare medicinal herbs and supplements, all wild and impossibly valuable. Honestly, you couldn’t even buy this kind of stuff if you wanted to.

Dinner was a lively affair, everyone enjoying themselves.

Later in the afternoon, Edison had appointments to visit some business partners and

tour the VIA Metropolis in Cabinda. He brought Claire along with him.

Whenever he introduced her, Edison simply said Claire was the VIA Group’s heir. He called himself just an employee.

Everyone quickly caught Edison’s meaning. Their eyes lingered on Claire with a newfound respect.

Claire wasn’t fazed by any of it. She

greeted everyone with confidence

into the

and ease She didn’t june tried

business talk, but if any part to test her with a question, she always had an answer ready.

Someone finally blurted out, “Edison, Claire really isn’t ordinary p>

Claire stayed calm, not letting the praise get to her. Edison just smiled. “She’s still young. She doesn’t really know the business world yet p>

“Her winter camp just ended and she was getting restless at home, so I thought I’d bring her along for the experience p>

“Winter camp?” One of the partners perked up. He had kids around Claire’s age too.

Edison and this partner had never had much to talk about before, but now they found some common ground.

“Yeah, it was the prep camp for the Math Olympiad p>