Chapter 163

“No p>

Claire’s answer took everyone by surprise.

York felt a little better hearing her say that. If Claire had dumped him just because she’d found a better guy, he would have been pissed. But if she was only breaking things off because she had no choice, that still meant he had some control. She wasn’t the James family heiress anymore-how could she possibly do better than the Byrons?

York eyed the guy standing next to her. He looked like the type Claire couldn’t even dream of handling. If he was willing to play along with this little act, she must have promised him something huge. York’s stare lingered on Claire. She was all grown up now, beautiful, with a killer figure. What else could a girl like her offer, if not her body?

He couldn’t help thinking about those rumors that had been going around… people saying Claire was selling herself for money. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he started to feel like she’d cheated on him or something. They weren’t even officially broken up yet, and she was already messing around. This woman, he thought, really didn’t deserve any sympathy.

Claire spoke up, her tone steady. “I let go of York because that engagement was never mine. It was Cindy’s all along. So I’m not giving up anything. I never owned it. York and I were stuck together because of a mistake. I never liked him anyway. Being forced together only made things harder for me. And, honestly, if I liked someone, it wouldn’t be for his money. Shouldn’t it be because he’s good looking p>

She nodded toward Dane.

Everyone’s eyes followed her gesture, checking Dane out. He could feel the attention and found it pretty annoying, but he kept his face blank. He’d agreed to play along, so he might as well see it through.

“Leo’s cute too!” Vera jumped in, trying to defend herself. She admitted Claire had good taste, but she wasn’t about to let that slide.

Leo’s friend nudged him, smirking. “See? Vera still thinks you’re hot p>

Leo rolled his eyes. “Whatever p>

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He used to have a thing for Claire, but after she turned him down, he got over it. Vera wasn’t his type, either. Actually, he’d been trying get his family to call off their engagement for ages. There were other ways for their families to do business why force a marriage? Like Claire said, forcing people together only made things complicated.

When his parents got those wild party photos of Vera, he’d been shocked. But as soon as he heard the engagement was off, he felt nothing but relief. He wanted to marry someone he actually liked, hot just someone his parents picked out for him.

Claire shot back, “Is he as good looking as my guy p>

Dane stiffened just a bit at the words “my guy p>

Everyone started comparing Leo and Dane in their heads. Honestly, there was no contest. In terms of looks, style, or presence, Dane was just on another level.

Vera started to protest, but Claire cut her off. “Don’t lie. Be honest with yourself. Even if you don’t have a conscience, you have a chest, right p>

A few people burst out laughing.

Vera was stuck, flustered. “Who says

I don’t have a conscience? Leo’s just

not fully grown yet he’s still young Giveat time, and he’ll be just as good as your guy p>

Claire grinned. “Yeah, sure. By the time Leo ‘grows up,’ I’ll probably have found someone even better. Face it, my taste is just better than yours p>

People around them tried not to laugh. They looked at the absolute stunner standing next to Claire and thought, Right. Good luck finding someone better than him.