Chapter 147

Cindy felt a sting in her chest the second she heard Lance ask about Claire. She used to think she was the one Lance cared about most. As soon as he found out she was the real heiress of the James family, he brought her home right away and reunited her with her parents. But now, every time Lance reached out, it was always about Claire.

That jealousy she tried so hard to bury started bubbling up again. Why did everyone in the family love Claire so much, even after she’d left? Cindy hadn’t done anything wrong, but because Claire had lived with the James family for so long, it felt like her presence was everywhere. Cindy was the rightful heiress, but somehow, she was always stuck in Claire’s shadow.

“Claire only showed up for class this afternoon. I heard she was in a car accident last night,” Cindy said. She didn’t want to answer Lance’s questions about Claire, but she told him the truth anyway.

“Is she okay?” Lance didn’t even notice how annoyed Cindy sounded. He was too busy worrying about Claire.

“She seems fine, just a little shaken,” Cindy said quietly.

Lance let out a breath, sounding relieved. “Can you put her on the phone? I want to talk to her p>

Cindy, being the good little sister she was, handed her phone to Claire. “Claire, Lance wants to talk to you p>

Claire didn’t reach for the phone right away. She didn’t really want anything to do with Lance. “What does he want p>

“He’s just worried about you. He heard about the accident last night Cindy said, her voice trailing off.

Claire shook her head. “Just tell him I’m fine p>

“But Cindy still didn’t want to let Claire talk to Lance. Wasn’t it obvious Lance cared about her?

“Don’t bother me during class!” Claire shot back, raising her voice so Lance could hear on the other end.

Lance hung up, clearly annoyed.

Molly, who’d overheard everything, snickered. “Some people just don’t know how good they’ve got it p>

Claire ignored her and turned her attention back to her work. She

didn’t expect to see Lance in person

after school but there he was,

warming by the main

gate Cindy

spotted him the moment she

stepped outside.

“Lance, are you here to pick me up?” she asked, her face lighting up with hope.

Lance nodded, but his eyes were searching the crowd behind her. “Why are you alone? Where’s Claire p>

Cindy’s hands tightened around her bag. Claire, again. Why did he always have to bring up Claire? Wasn’t it enough that he was here for her? She was his real sister, after all.

“I don’t think Claire’s come out yet. Some classmate stopped her to ask about a math problem,” Cindy replied quietly. “Claire’s so good at

studying. Leart keep up, no matter how hard I try p>

She tried not to let it show, but the words came out heavy. The material at this private school was way harder than what she was used to. The teachers moved fast and expected a lot more.

But Lance didn’t even seem to catch that. He only focused on one thing. “Was it a boy or a girl who asked her for help p>

Cindy blinked, surprised by the question. “A boy. Why p>

Lance’s frown deepened. “Why is she always hanging out with boys? Aren’t there any smart girls in your class p>

His tone was sharp, almost angry.

Cindy felt a little hurt. “I don’t really know which boys are top students. I wanted to ask claire for help too but

I didn’t want to bother her. I was

afraid I’d just slow her down p>

Lance suddenly brightened. “Cindy, you said you’re struggling to keep up in class, right p>