Chapter 406
Claire got into the competition with her own skills. What did that have to do with her, anyway? Honestly, shouldn’t she just focus on making up lost ground and aiming for a good college entrance exam? She’d only just come back from the countryside, so of course she couldn’t compete with Claire’s strong foundation. Even if her grades did fall short, who would actually laugh at her?
“Don’t be upset. She didn’t say anything bad about Claire this time. She just feels so much pressure, like no matter how hard she tries, she’ll never catch up to Claire. That’s why she broke down and had a good cry.” Octavia noticed Latham’s face clouding over and hurried to explain.
“As long as she’s not picking on Claire.” Latham pulled out his phone and transferred ten thousand yuan directly to Cindy. “Cindy, if you’re feeling down, take yourself shopping. Don’t just stay home moping p>
The transfer brought a little comfort. But as soon as Cindy remembered that this kind of money was pocket change for the James family, and that her dad sent it just to keep her quiet, her happiness faded away. Still, she knew better than to show it. She messaged him back, Thank you, Dad. I’ll work hard at my studies.
Latham let out a sigh of relief when he read her message. That’s good. Find a balance, don’t push yourself so hard, okay?
“You transferred money to Cindy?” Octavia was a little surprised. Cindy managed to get some extra spending money simply by not making a scene.
“Just ten thousand.” Latham shrugged. “If I gave her more, I’d worry about her getting tricked by someone p>
He added, “Cindy’s too soft-hearted. I’m not even sure the friends she has now are genuine with her. If she had too much money, people might start getting ideas p>
Octavia wanted to say something, but in the end, she stayed quiet. As long as their daughter played the obedient child, Latham would always treat her this well. That was comforting, but it also made Octavia nervous. If Latham ever found out Cindy wasn’t really his… she couldn’t even imagine his reaction.
“You really do think about everything.” Octavia snuggled in closer to her husband.
Even in their middle years, the couple still shared sweet, private moments at night. Times like this, all thoughts about the children faded into the background.
On Claire’s side, the atmosphere in Cabinda was intense. The finalists’ training had started, and everyone was giving it ing they had Norris didn’t pulf Claire aside for any special words, and the Churchill family stayed out of her business. Everyone just threw themselves into the program.
By the third day, it was time for the big assessment-the one that would decide everything. Claire stole the spotlight, easily taking first place.
Linsey, who roomed with Claire in the dorms, managed to grab the last available spot. Alva came in fourth Leo landed a position as a reserve team member and would still get to travel with them to Cascadia for the finals Leo wasn’t bothered about. not making the main team. For him, just sticking out this far was an achievement.
The school was buzzing with the news-two students headed to the finals. One was
a regular team member, one a reserve, and Claire had actually come in first.
Their homeroom teacher called Claire right away to congratulate her, and Leo got some praise too. Their former tutors also sent messages full of encouragement.
Alva felt nothing but gratitude
toward Claire. If she hadn’t treated everyone equally and helped them cram, he probably wouldn’t have made it. The winter study sessions had shown him she was honest and generous with her help. The James family kicking Claire out? That was their loss.
Claire wasn’t as outwardly excited as the others, but she was definitely pleased. Earning her ticket to the main event made all the hard work and pressure she endured worth it.
She hadn’t even returned to school yet, but everyone was already talking. Word was out that Claire had taken first place and won the most coveted competition spot. Teachers couldn’t praise her enough, and her classmates practically looked at her with stars in their eyes.