Chapter 288
“If I ever get the chance, I really have to visit your village. It sounds like such a special place p>
Edison grinned and lifted his glass. “If there’s a chance, absolutely p>
Who knew when that chance would come?
When Claire came back, she saw Edison and Babur deep in conversation, laughing and toasting each other, completely oblivious that she was the topic of their discussion. Not that it would have bothered her anyway. She had zero interest in the VIA Group.
That night, Claire left Cabinda with Edison. Ophelia and Karla looked like they didn’t want to let her go.
“Claire, promise you’ll come back to Cabinda after the holidays. We’re all going to miss you,” Ophelia said, holding Claire’s hands tightly. “I’m almost done knitting that sweater for you. You’ll be able to wear it when you get back p>
“Thank you, Ophelia p>
Karla handed Claire a bag of snacks. “For the road, in case you get hungry.” “Thanks, Karla p>
Neither Ophelia nor Karla went to the airport to see her off, and Padgett didn’t go either.
“If you have time, come visit after the holidays. If you’re busy, don’t worry about it. School comes first p>
“We could always go visit you too p>
Padgett suddenly remembered, “You know, I’ve never even met your grandmother p>
Claire blinked. “Didn’t you always say you didn’t want to meet her p>
Padgett cleared his throat. “Why are you so honest p>
Claire couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, I’m heading out now. Grandpa, Ophelia, Karla… goodbye p>
With so many people in the family, saying goodbye all at once was a workout.
Only her three brothers actually went to the airport, carrying her bags and seeing her off. Claire came with one little suitcase and left with three.
Edison was surprised by how warm the Churchill family was. In families like theirs, you’d expect some affection, but not much. After spending just half a day with them, be realized everyone adored Claire She was obviously the family favorite, and honestly, she deserved it.
Back in Apex, Claire went home with Edison. It was too late to head back to the countryside, so she’d just have to wait until morning.
At Edison’s place, Claire slept
ет
straight through until the next day. Tutoring was about to start, and with everything going on, she didn’t have time to go back to the village. Edison was is too since SUNN director had just arrived in Apex. He’d come in the night before. The company sent someone to host, but having the boss there just made a difference.
Edison made plans with Jenny: a tour of VIA Metropolis during the day, dinner at night.
Claire didn’t join them. She had tutoring. Just two classes every afternoon, which really wasn’t hard for her. Alva was assigned to the same sessions and took it very seriously.
When tutoring ended, Claire unexpectedly ran into Molly’s parents. If they hadn’t introduced themselves, she wouldn’t have recognized them.
Molly’s mom got emotional the second she saw Claire, and her dad had to hold her back.
“You’re Claire, right?” Molly’s dad asked. He’d never been to a parent-teacher conference, so he didn’t actually know her, but Claire stood out. Only two students were in the tutoring group and Claire was the pretty girl.
“I’m Claire. And you are p>
“I’m Molly’s father.” He gently pulled his wife forward. “And this is Molly’s mom p>
“Is there something you need from me p>
The question set Molly’s mom off. “You really have to ask? You’re the one who got
our daughter sent to jail. Don’t you know what you’ve done p>
Claire stayed calm. “Sorry, I don’t really know the details p>
“I was away at winter camp for training, so I left everything else to my lawyer p>