Chapter 392

Octavia’s smile froze for a second. “What’s wrong? Isn’t staying at Lance’s place nice p>

“It is,” Cindy said softly. “It’s really nice p>

She hesitated, chewing on her lip. “But it’s Lance’s home. If Lance gets married someday, will his wife be okay with me living here too p>

Her eyes dropped and her voice got even quieter. “I’ve always dreamed about having my own place. A home where I can make everything pretty and bright, just the way I want p>

Hearing that made Octavia’s heart twist with guilt. If only things had been different years ago, her precious girl wouldn’t have ended up on her own.

“If Lance ever tries to pick his wife over you, we just won’t let him come home.” Octavia squeezed Cindy’s hand. “Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, nobody’s going to mess with you p>

“And about your own place, I’ve already started looking for a house near whichever campus you pick. I want you to have a home to call your own once you start school p>

Of course, Octavia had been planning all this for Cindy. With her background, she couldn’t afford to leave anything to chance.

“Your dad’s company finances are a little rough lately, so we can’t just buy a big house right this second… If things were better, I’d already have a villa waiting for you as your wedding gift p>

Cindy’s eyes went wide at that. Her mom wanted to get her a villa? That sounded amazing.

“Mom, I heard Lance started interning at Dad’s company when he was at university. Can I do that too?” She looked hopeful, but the doubt crept in. “I don’t really know anything, and I’m not even sure what kind of college I’ll get into. What if I can’t find a good job after school? Will the Byron family look down on me p>

The anxiety in Cindy’s voice was completely understandable, and Octavia saw her struggle.

“Of course not,” Octavia assured her. “I’ll make sure the Byron family never criticizes you p>

She thought for a moment. “I’ll talk to your dad about giving you some company shares as a wedding gift p>

“When Claire and York got engaged, their families both set aside three percent of their companies’ stakes for them. I’m going to make sure you get five percent p>

“A little extra money of your own means nobody can look down at you just because you grew up outside the city p>

Octavia was already weighing her options. Those shares needed to be in Cindy’s name sooner rather than later. You never know what could happen in the future, and she didn’t want Cindy to end up with nothing.

“As for the company, you don’t need

to worry about work. Lance can handle that. With shares in your name you can just relax and collect dividends. No need to stress yourself out. Have you seen how

many rich girls actually go out and

work full time p>

“If you find a hobby you love, do that. When you have free time, you can always hang out with Tina p>

“Tina isn’t hard to get along with, and we’re equals with their family. She’ll treat you well p>

Unless, of course, the James family ever lost their standing. In that case, if Cindy stayed married into the Byron family, it probably wouldn’t be so easy anymore.

“Only five percent?” Cindy thought.

She and Lance were both James

family kids, but Lance was set up as

heir and would eventually run

whole business. Her parents

wanted to give her

a small

Pene

fraction—and just as a marriage present.

That felt unfair.

Octavia saw the doubt on her daughter’s face. “Don’t underestimate that five percent,” she said gently. “The company does really well. Just the yearly dividends from five percent will be more than enough for anything you need p>

“And if we win the project over by the west side of the city, the company will be worth even more p>

She smiled, reaching out to tuck Cindy’s hair behind her ear. “I promise, you’re getting more than just shares. There’ll be the house, and I’ve set aside my own collection of jewelry for you as part of your wedding presents too p>

“They’re all yours, not Lance’s p>