Chapter 304
“Claire, if you don’t want to help me look for Cindy, then forget it p>
“I just hope you never have to go begging to the James family for anything p>
Claire lifted her chin. “So, what are you hiding from me p>
“You’re just making things up in your head. There’s nothing.” Lance turned away and left without looking back.
The security guard stepped outside after hearing the noise. Once he saw Lance leave and noticed that Claire looked fine, he relaxed.
“Miss, are you okay? That man said his sister lives in this building, but when I asked who he was, he wouldn’t say p>
“Thank you. If you see him again, please don’t let him in p>
“He keeps trying to pressure me into dating him, but I’m a senior in high school. College entrance exams are coming up soon p>
“There’s no way I’d let anyone mess with my studies p>
The lie came easy for Claire. She had learned that when you’re out in the world, you get to decide who you are and what story you tell.
Surprisingly, the guard believed every word. “That makes sense now. He looked fancy and all put together, but who knew he was that kind of guy p>
“Listen, nothing is more important than school. You’re in your last year. You should be focused on your future, not some boy p>
“With your looks, you’ll have people lining up to date you in college. He might be good-looking and well-off, but he’s older than you. Guys your own age are usually more understanding anyway p>
The guard was full of advice.
Claire smiled and gave him a thumbs up. “You’re exactly right p>
He grinned. “Go on home. It’s late, and your family might worry p>
“I’ll keep an eye out for him if he comes back p>
“Thank you,” Claire replied.
She reached into her backpack and pulled out a handful of candies.
Holding them out, she said, “Please take these p>
Candy wasn’t a rare treat anymore but Claire’s chocolates were the fancy Kind. She hadn’t put them in her bag herself Ophelia had given them to her a while ago.
The guard hesitated, looking pleased but a little embarrassed. “Thank you, but I’ll
pass. Candy’s for you kids. I’m a grown man p>
Claire shook her head. “It doesn’t
matter how old you are. These chocolates are really good,
ld try them. Or maybe give them to your kids if you have any p>
Hearing that, the guard finally accepted. His child was still young and always asking for sweets.
Once Claire got home, she didn’t bother mentioning Lance to Edison. She didn’t care how Lance tracked Cindy down, either.
The next day, Octavia showed up looking for her, but Claire turned her down immediately.
“Octavia, when you sent me back to the countryside, it was to keep me away from the James family, wasn’t it p>
“We agreed to stay out of each other’s lives, but you and your daughter started spreading lies about me online. What exactly do you want from me p>
Claire didn’t hold back at all on the phone.
Octavia’s voice shook, and Claire could almost imagine her face turning pale. “Claire, I made a mistake p>
“Cindy’s grades have nothing to do with you p>
“Even if she got depressed after winter camp because of you, that’s still her own problem p>
“But people online are talking like
crazy right now, and it’s hurting Cindy feally badly. Could you please speak up and say you believe wer didn’t do anything wrong p>
Octavia never pictured herself having to beg Claire like this.