Chapter 352

With the younger ones around, he couldn’t really say much more. “How about letting Claire stay for a few days?” Latham looked at Claire, hopeful. If she stayed, maybe she’d put in a good word for him with Edison. And honestly, he had noticed that even though Edison could be intense, he was the type who respected his family. If that wasn’t true, Edison wouldn’t have listened to his aunt or even bothered to bring Claire over to visit The James Family today.

“Claire has tutoring. She’s got a math competition soon and if she qualifies, she’ll be off competing overseas. There’s no time to slack off.” Edison cut in before Claire could even answer, brushing off Latham’s suggestion and taking the chance to throw a little shade at Octavia and Cindy too.

The look on Octavia and Cindy’s faces soured immediately. Latham’s offer for Claire to stay had already annoyed them, but now, hearing about the math competition only made things worse.

Latham felt the tension. His wife and daughter had made some bad choices. Now, things between them and Claire were so strained, even basic conversation felt awkward.

“You’re right, school comes first. We never had to worry about Claire’s grades, and I’m sure she’ll do well in the competition,” Latham said.

Octavia jumped in, trying to keep up appearances. “Exactly, Claire doesn’t have time for fun. Cindy needs to start her tutoring too. Both girls are about to take the college entrance exam. It’s stressful for them. As parents, we need to do our part and make sure they don’t have any distractions p>

Edison gave Octavia a sharp look. Coming from her, that speech sounded pretty empty. If anything, Octavia had been stirring up trouble nonstop. The James Group had even taken a hit because of what she’d done, and Edison had played his own part in that. He wasn’t about to let Claire get hurt for no reason. Even if he could let things slide, Pandora never would. Claire was her only daughter.

Edison left with Claire and Jenny. Shirley didn’t see any reason to linger, so she asked Lance to drive her home. Lance agreed right away, glad for a reason to see Edison and Claire off.

As Claire was getting into the car, Lance called out to her. “Claire p>

She turned, a little hesitant. “What is it p>

Lance pulled a gift box from his car. “Your New Year’s present p>

Claire was stunned for a second. No matter how much they fought, Lance always gave her a birthday gift every year. When she was little, he bought her Barbie dolls and toys, Later, there were pretty dresses, hair clips, bracelets, necklaces. If she wanted something, Lance always seemed to know.

“You actually remembered me?” She was genuinely surprised. She’d that from now off Cinde

figured

would be getting all his gifts.

Lance picked up on her reaction. “I bought something for Cindy too p>

“She’s your sister. You should just give it to her. I don’t need anything.” Claire tried to hand the gift back.

“If you want, you can give her two

In

gifts. You can even make up for the last eighteen years you missed with her. All the things you gave me. before are still at my place. I didn’t bring them with me If they bother you, just have someone get tid of them p>

Lance’s smile completely faded. “Are you mad at me p>

“Mad about what?” To Claire, Lance had started acting like a stranger.

“Are you mad I sent you away in the middle of the night without letting you pack your things p>

Lance couldn’t hide his regret. He was starting to realize he’d only made things

worse.