Chapter 469
Once Dr. Pope was gone, Oakley spoke up, surprising everyone. “Why don’t we get Claire to start making it in big batches? I’d put up the money and help her open a
company p>
“She’s still a student. She probably doesn’t have that kind of time,” Karla said, though she had thought this over before. Owen was just hanging around at home, looking for something to do.
If Claire agreed, Owen could totally handle the business side of things. They were family. Owen would never cheat her out of anything.
“Alright,” Oakley replied, hearing the message loud and clear. Not having time was just a polite way of saying no. Besides, Karla didn’t need his money. If anyone was going to invest, he’d never get first pick.
Still, with a scar cream that actually worked right before your eyes, who wouldn’t fight to get their hands on it once it was on sale?
“If she actually starts a business, you’ll definitely get a piece of the action,” Karla offered. “You could be a shareholder and the face of the brand. You already have buzz-it’d be perfect p>
Oakley laughed, realizing she had a good point. Maybe Karla only let him in because he’d used the cream after his injury. Either way, it was still a lucky break.
“I’m in, free endorsement and all,” Oakley said. His gratitude for Claire was real. Even if she didn’t need him in the business, he’d still promo the cream for her for nothing.
Meanwhile, in another part of the house, Claire let out a string of sneezes, completely unaware Oakley and Karla were talking about her latest miracle product. She was supposed to leave for her competition soon, but of course, Octavia found a reason to stir up trouble before she could go.
Octavia tracked her down, her face set in a serious frown. She told Claire, point blank, that she should give up her guaranteed college entry spot for Cindy. In return, Octavia would “allow” Claire to date Lance.
Claire stared at her, totally thrown. Since when did she even want to date Lance?
“Octavia, are you serious right now? I think you’re way overthinking this p>
Octavia’s frown deepened. “Claire, you grew up in the James family. You might not be the daughter-in-law I was picturing, but if Lance likes you, I’m not going to stand in the way. I’m proposing this for your own good p>
She let out a patient sigh. “If you end up as Cindy’s sister-in-law one day, the tw of you can’t keep fighting forever, fight? Giving her your spot at
university is a peace spot at
“Cindy still has a lot of mixed feelings about you. If you two could finally get along,
the family would have so much less drama to deal with p>
Octavia’s whole vibe practically screamed, I’m doing you a favor, so don’t mess this up.
Claire just found it funny. “You really don’t need to worry. I have zero interest in becoming Cindy’s sister-in-law p>
She paused for effect, then looked straight at Octavia. “Can I ask why you think I’d ever be interested in Lance, anyway p>
Octavia’s expression turned stormy. “I just thought… you and Lance did grow up together. If you came back to the James family, it could be a good thing you’d be in a familiar environment, we’d treat you just like family p>
She hesitated, her voice chilly now. “Looks like I was wrong. Clearly you don’t need any of that p>
Claire smiled, polite but firm. “Thank you for the offer, Octavia, but yes, you were definitely overthinking it p>
Octavia’s face darkened even more, her anger barely contained. “Lance is already more impressive than most guys his age. Don’t come crawling back to me one day regretting this p>
Claire didn’t even blink. “You really don’t have to worry. I won’t regret a thing. To me, Lance has always been like a brother. Who falls in love with their own brother?” She grinned. “I’m not a weirdo p>
The message was clear and savage. If Lance liked her, wasn’t that just plain weird?
Octavia definitely got the hint and her jaw clenched in anger. “Claire, don’t say I didn’t warn you p>
She really couldn’t believe how bold
Claire was being. After York had
already broken off their engagement, Lance was by far the most eligible guys with Claire’s teach and here she was, turning him down without even thinking about it.