Chapter 489

“Your motives are showing,” Claire teased, throwing Jenny a knowing look.

Jenny blinked, confused. “What does that even mean p>

Claire just smiled. “Ask Edison. He’ll explain p>

Edison was busy driving and didn’t really feel like getting into it. “I’ll buy you a book on Solenia culture,” he said with a tired grin. “You can look it up yourself later p>

Jenny grinned back. “If you give it to me, I’ll take anything you want to give p>

Claire was already fading. She made small talk for a bit, then leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes, just soaking in the quiet.

When Edison finally dropped her off at Silverpeak, Claire barely managed a good- bye before heading straight inside. She didn’t even bother changing out of her clothes. She just dropped onto her bed and let exhaustion swallow her whole.

A little while later, Edison called again. “Claire, are you going to eat dinner? Should I pick up some groceries and cook for you, or do you want to go out when you wake up p>

He just wanted to make sure she felt welcome. This was a pretty big deal-she’d just come back with first place and a gold medal from the International Math Olympiad.

“I think I’ll skip dinner tonight,” Claire mumbled. “I’m wiped. I just need to rest p>

She’d already forced herself to celebrate with the Churchills last night. After days of traveling, the competition stress, and the jet lag, she was beyond done. All she wanted right now was her own bed.

“That’s fine. Get some sleep. I’ll have someone send food over anyway, just in case you change your mind p>

Edison always tried to look after her. “Seriously, Claire, you’ve lost weight. Your face looks thinner. If Pandora finds out, she’s going to worry herself sick p>

If Pandora ever blamed him for not taking care of Claire, he’d never hear the end of

it.

Claire chuckled. “I’m fine. I just wasn’t used to the food abroad. I’ll make up for it soon p>

“Oh, by the way,” Edison said,

“Pandora brought up your university entrance exams. She was thinking about having Pattrcome stay help you with meats and chores fora white. What do you think p>

He’d put the idea on pause for the time being. Claire had always been the independent type. Even though she was in her last year of high school, she pretty much handled everything on her own.

If Pandora decided to send Patti over without asking, that would probably just annoy Claire. And if she was upset, there was no way she’d be able to focus on her exams.

Claire shook her head. “No need to bother Patti. If she leaves, who’s going to cook for Pandora p>

She knew Pandora couldn’t cook to save her life and usually needed Patti’s help around the house. Plus, Pearce was always up in the mountains, hardly at home, so he

wasn’t much help in the kitchen.

It wasn’t worth the trouble. Unless Pandora herself moved in too, there was really no point.

Edison seemed relieved. “I thought the same. So, I was thinking I’d just hire a housekeeper. You can let them know whatever you want to eat p>

He added gently, “You like your space, so the housekeeper would only cook and clean, then head out. Does that work for you p>

It finally clicked for Claire. Everyone around her just wanted to help, especially with the exams coming up. If they didn’t do something, they’d just worry constantly.

“Edison, honestly, the housekeeper could just help with cleaning. The food at my school is good, really. It’s tasty and super clean. I don’t need anyone to cook for me p>

Edison realized she had a point. Silverpeak International College was a private school with a great reputation. The food there had always been high quality.

“Then how about I top up your meal card? Just in case p>

Claire didn’t say no this time. Letting her family help, even in small ways, kept them

at ease. If Edison wanted to add money to her card, she’d let him do it.

“Okay. Thanks p>

When Edison left, Claire headed for the shower and then straight to bed. She

melted into the soft mattress and only then did she really feel like she was finally home.