Chapter 353

“I’m not blaming you. You wanted space, so fine, let’s have space.” Claire looked at Lance, completely thrown off by his attitude. Honestly, she felt a wave of annoyance rising inside her.

“Who said I wanted to cut you off? Are you the one trying to write off the whole James family now?” Lance’s face darkened.

Claire raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that what you all want? Why act so dramatic now p>

She had no intention of letting Lance play the victim. He looked like he was about to lose it, maybe even shout at her, but he held back. After all, it was the holidays.

“Claire, the only reason I sent you home before was because I wanted Cindy to feel comfortable. She’s just come back to the family. It wasn’t about ending things with you. No matter what, everyone in the James family still cares about you. Don’t write off your family just because things are tense with Cindy right now p>

Claire looked at him, half-smiling, half-cold. “You really have the nerve to say that?” She shoved the gift back into his hands. “Maybe save this for your real sister p>

Claire didn’t bother with any politeness. She just turned and walked off, not looking back. Lance stood there, watching her go, his eyes filled with something heavy and shadowy.

“Lance?” Octavia’s voice came from behind. Cindy was with her, sent out to find him. Octavia gave Lance a little pat on the back.

Lance turned, quickly masking his mood. The gift was still in his hands.

“Cindy, what’s up p>

“Mom told me to check on you. How come you’re still outside? It’s freezing.” Cindy glanced at the box he was holding.

Lance handed her the gift, almost absentmindedly.

“For me?” Cindy lit up at the sight of the box.

“See if you like it,” he replied, not really confirming anything.

Cindy lifted the lid and her eyes went wide. Inside was a delicate red four-leaf clover bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels.

“I love it!” Cindy exclaimed, cradling the bracelet in her hands. “Thank you! Can you help me put it on p>

She offered her wrist, and Lance took the bracelet, carefully fastening it for her Cindy’s skin wasn’t as pale as Claire’s had been, but the bracelet still looked beautiful. For a second, as he clasped it shut, Lance found himself picturing Claire instead.

He kept holding her wrist a moment too long, admiring the way it looked. “It really does look great on you p>

Cindy blushed, a little embarrassed, and pulled her hand back. “I think so, too p>

She hurried inside and called out, “Mom, look p>

She showed off the bracelet to Octavia, her happiness pretty much shining from her face. “Doesn’t it look pretty p>

Seeing her daughter so genuinely happy made Octavia smile as well. “It’s lovely. Did you pick it out yourself p>

“No, Lance got it for me. A New Year’s present.” Cindy glanced over her shoulder, just as Lance walked in behind her.

Octavia looked surprised. “But didn’t you already put a gift for Cindy in her room?” Cindy’s smile faltered.

Lance stepped in, keeping a calm tone. “I just saw this bracelet and thought it was perfect. It’s a new arrival, so got her a second New Year’s gift. We’ve missed out on so

much with Cindystwo gifts, aren’t too much, right p>

Octavia nodded, buying the explanation. You’re right, I should’ve

thought of that. Looks like you’ll be getting double the holiday money this year too Tomorrow, Wellgo shopping and pick out some new clothes and jewelry together, what do you think p>

Cindy was wrapped up in the warm feeling of being cherished. She didn’t even care

if the bracelet was really meant for her or not.

“Lance left another present for you in the drawer by your bed, you should check it out,” Octavia reminded her gently, before Cindy could say anything.