Chapter 300

“It really doesn’t have much to do with the James family’s education,” Claire said evenly.

Cindy stared at her, completely stunned. Did Claire just call her dumb to her face? Who even says stuff like that?

Claire’s expression didn’t change. “If you want to hear more, I can be even harsher p>

“You shouldn’t force yourself to compete,” Claire went on. “Everyone has things they’re good at and things they’re not. Take me, for example. I might get good grades, but I’m nowhere near as likable as you p>

“Even someone like Molly is a fan of yours p>

The sarcasm in Claire’s voice was obvious, and Cindy definitely picked up on it.

“And it’s not like you’re missing out on much just because your grades aren’t great,” Claire continued. “You’re the real heiress of the James family, plus you have a rich and ridiculously handsome fiancé. If you really think about it, you came out on top p>

“Me? All I have are my grades. That’s it p>

For a second, Cindy couldn’t tell if Claire was trying to brag or just being bitter.

York watched them from nearby, feeling thrown off. The Claire he remembered would never talk like this. As the heiress of the James family, she always seemed so proud and untouchable, never bothering with arguments or drama.

But now, Claire seemed so much more real. There was a spark in her he hadn’t seen before.

The truth was, York had never actually known the real Claire. He only ever saw the version of her the James family wanted the world to see.

“Claire, I really am sorry. What happened was my fault,” Cindy said quietly. “And last night, the whole mess with the paid trolls online that was because of me p>

“If Mom hadn’t tried to protect me, she wouldn’t have done it p>

“She does care about you, you know. Please don’t hold this against her p>

Claire just laughed. “You mean Octavia hiring people online to tell everyone at my new school to stay away from me p>

Honestly, Octavia was hopeless. Who seriously thinks buying fake comments is going to work out? Did she really believe secrets like that would never get out?

“Mom just Cindy started to explain, still trying to defend Octavia.

But deep down, Cindy was more worried about what the Byron family would think. Would they decide she was less worthy than Claire?

“Enough. I honestly don’t care,” Claire cut her off. “Besides, I’m not the one getting roasted online right now p>

York still wasn’t sure of all the details, but from the way the girls talked, he could guess the gist of it.

Without another word, Claire turned and walked away.

Cindy finally looked at York. “York, I didn’t mean for things to get this complicated. Do you think I’m a bad person p>

She hesitated. “I admit, I was

jealous. keep wondering… if I’d grown up as the J James family’s daughter, would be as amazing as Claire p>

York gave her a gentle smile. “Didn’t she say her talent comes from her birth parents? So even if you’d grown up in the James family, you probably wouldn’t have beaten her in math p>

“But she’s right. You have your own strengths. There’s no reason to compare yourself to her for everything p>

“Everyone’s good at some things and not so great at others p>

“So what if you don’t get into a top university? You could always study abroad p>

“You have plenty of options ahead. Claire’s future looks pretty limited by comparison p>

“Cindy, try not to overthink it. Don’t get stuck on this p>

Even as he spoke, York sighed inside. Cindy really was a bit small-minded, and compared to Claire, she just didn’t measure up.

Claire might have been playing everyone and saying whatever she needed to, but at least she was smart and adaptable.

But the Byron and James families were set on working together. There was no way to change partners now.