Chapter 495
With just a month left until the big college entrance exams, everyone at school was tense. You could practically feel the pressure in the air. Teachers kept holding pep talks, one after another, trying to hype everyone up or maybe just calm some
nerves.
Claire, on the other hand, seemed immune to the stress. She had her prep work down pat. Practice tests were a breeze, and she actually had enough energy to help Sophia with the subjects she struggled with. If anyone else in class asked for help, Claire would jump in whenever she had a minute.
Cindy, though, wasn’t around anymore. She’d stopped coming to school to study. She’d been having a tough time handling the pressure. The teachers, knowing the James family could afford it, suggested she go home and get tutored there. If she couldn’t focus at school, especially with Claire around, Darcey thought she might as well be at home.
Octavia wanted Cindy to stay at school, but Latham listened to the teachers and agreed to let Cindy leave. Honestly, it made sense. The conditions at home were way better than anything the school could provide, and paying for tutors wasn’t a problem for them. Cindy didn’t love the idea at first, but Latham’s decision was final and she couldn’t exactly argue. Home life definitely had its perks, though. She got to sleep in, no more dragging herself out of bed before sunrise, and she never had to wonder what to eat next. The family chef kept coming up with delicious meals, and before long, Cindy’s cheeks started looking a little rounder.
Meanwhile, Octavia just couldn’t stop meddling. Even after she promised not to bother Claire or try to get that recommended admission spot, she heard some rumor that Claire had given her guaranteed spot to someone else. She stormed right over to the school.
The minute Darcey saw Octavia on campus, she figured something must’ve happened with Cindy.
“Octavia, what brings you here?” she asked. “Are you here for Cindy? Isn’t she studying at home p>
Darcey seemed nervous, half-expecting bad news.
Octavia shook her head. “No, I’m looking for Claire p>
That made Darcey’s stomach tighten. If Octavia was there for Claire, it probably meant drama.
“Is there something you need to talk to Claire about?” Darcey asked carefully. Octavia studied her for a second. “Darcey, relax. I’m not here to stir up trouble p>
Darcey smiled awkwardly, like she knew she’d been caught worrying.
“It’s just… Claire is really focused
right now
We’re all hoping she canet
pour everything into her studies at stage” Content belo
this
swhovels
“If it isn’t urgent, could this wait until after the exams p>
She paused. “You know how big a deal this is, Octavia. The college entrance exam is a turning point in life p>
Octavia tightened her arms across her chest, clearly not thrilled with Darcey’s tone.
“I get it, Darcey. But please call Claire out for me p>
“We’re at school. I’m not about to do anything crazy p>
“She grew up with me. No one wants to see her ace that exam more than I
do. If she can get top marks, ite:
reflects wel on your school and our family p>
With Octavia putting it like that, Darcey couldn’t really keep saying no. She gave in and went to fetch Claire.
Claire thought a teacher needed her, but the moment she saw Octavia waiting, she knew exactly what was going on.
“Darcey, it’s fine, you can head back to class. I’ll just talk with Octavia for a bit p>
Darcey still looked hesitant, reminding Claire to call for help if she needed anything.
Claire nodded, her voice steady. “I know. Don’t worry p>
Honestly, what could Octavia even do? It’s not like she could threaten her or anything.
The two of them stood in the hallway. Octavia, clearly wanting a little more privacy, seemed like she wanted to take Claire outside. Lately, though Claire had ignored her calls and left her messages unread. It was clear Octavia wasn’t going to give up that easily.