Chapter 405

“But there’s nothing we can do now,” Octavia said, her tone final. “It’s already been decided. We can’t get involved anymore. You don’t want to end up like Molly, right p>

She mentioned Molly on purpose, hoping her daughter would get the hint.

As soon as she heard the name, Cindy shook her head fiercely. “No, I don’t want to be like Molly p>

Molly’s parents had shown up at school a few times, practically begging for help, but Claire always avoided them. At first, the students had sympathized with Molly, but after a serious lecture from the teachers, they came to see things differently. Suddenly, everyone saw Claire’s side. Molly was the one who’d crossed the line.

Sure, people felt sorry for Molly’s parents for a while. But the more trouble they stirred up at school, the more annoyed everyone got. Sympathy faded fast, replaced by irritation. Once her parents realized Claire was untouchable and the school wasn’t going to budge, they finally stopped coming around.

“So don’t stir up any more trouble,” Octavia warned.

Cindy’s head dropped, her mom’s words hitting her deep. She hadn’t expected her mother to see her that way.

Tears spilled from her eyes, silent and hot. She felt so wronged it hurt.

“Mom, I’m really not causing any drama. I just feel… off,” she whispered. “My grades are hopeless, Claire is perfect at everything, and I can’t help wondering if you guys actually wish she was your daughter instead p>

Octavia softened a bit. She could tell Cindy was just feeling insecure.

“Why would you think that?” Octavia shot back gently. “You’re my daughter-my real daughter. Of course I love you. Don’t overthink it. No matter how amazing Claire is, she’s not really part of our family. I love you most, Cindy. Always p>

Cindy wanted to ask about Lance, to say, “What about him? Do you love him more too?” But she bit it back, not wanting to sound desperate or hear another pretty lie.

If her mom really loved her most, wouldn’t she fight for her to get more shares of the company? Her godmother was right-sometimes you had to fight for yourself. Cindy didn’t want to go to war with Lance, but she wanted what belonged to her. S

Seeing Cindy finally stop crying, Octavia let out a sigh of relief. She was terrified her daughter might try to mess with Claire’s competition again After all, Latham had already warned her last time. He even cut her monthly allowance. Who knew what he’d do if she went too far again?

Octavia didn’t want any trouble for the family business. The company was meant for her son. If Lance could take over smoothly, she’d keep her luxurious life. She couldn’t imagine ever having to live without money.

That night, when Latham got home, he took one look at Cindy and could tell she’d been crying.

At dinner he asked, “Cindy, are you alright? Did something happen at school? Is anyone giving you a hard time p>

Lance glanced over, surprised. If their dad hadn’t mentioned it, he wouldn’t have noticed anything. “Yeah, Cindy, is someone bothering you p>

Both of them waited for her to answer.

Cindy shook her head. “No one’s picking on me, thank you for caring p>

Since she didn’t want to talk, they had to let it go.

Later that night, Latham cornered Octavia for an explanation. As a mom, she was closer to their daughter who’d only recently come back to the family. She had to know something.

“It’s Claire again,” Octavia said quietly. “She’s off at the final selection round for the math

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competition. She’s been gone two days Cindy didn’t even know about it. The whole class kept her in the dark. It hurt her feelings p>

Latham’s face clouded instantly.

This youngest daughter of his really didn’t see the big picture at all.