Chapter 913
Mrs. Zeller was completely oblivious to real-world struggles, just as she was blind to the fact that underprivileged kids often possessed fiercely guarded pride.
Connie quickly shut the idea down. “Absolutely not, ma’am. She’s Ms. Zeller’s roommate.”
“Handing her charity clothes will only make her feel inferior around your daughter.”
“It’ll create a terrible dynamic in the dorm.”
Was that how it worked?
Mrs. Zeller thought it over and realized her maid had a point.
“I’ll hold off, then.”
Once the older women were gone, Claire turned to Owen. “Why don’t you head back for today? I think I’ll grab lunch at the dining hall with the girls.”
Initially, Claire had fully intended to go home. The family chef was making slow- roasted pork belly today—a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dish that was her absolute favorite.
Plus, with the mandatory freshman boot camp starting soon, she wanted one last gourmet meal before subjecting herself to basic rations.
But discovering that Lex was her final roommate had changed her mind.
The stark contrast between Lex’s extreme poverty and Zara’s immense wealth was a powder keg waiting to explode.
Add to that Zara’s complete lack of a filter.
Lex’s insecurities would only be amplified if left alone with the spoiled heiress right off the bat.
“If you’re staying, I’ll just pack up some of the roast and drop it off for you later,” Owen offered.
Claire smiled warmly. “Then pack extra. Bring enough for my roommates too.”
“You got it,” Owen agreed easily.
Claire then looked over at the other girls. “Would you three beautiful ladies do me the honor of joining me for lunch?”
“Absolutely,” Skylar chimed in without hesitation.
Lex nodded in agreement.
Zara was about to decline, but she remembered Connie’s warning-isolating herself on day one was a surefire way to become an outcast.
“I was planning on heading home for dinner, but fine. I’ll make an exception for you,” Zara said, tilting her chin haughtily.
Claire suppressed a laugh. “Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Your Highness.”
Taking the cue, Owen smoothly exited, leaving the girls to bond.
As the four of them chatted, the ice quickly began to melt.
Zara and Skylar dominated the conversation.
Claire interjected occasionally, while Lex remained quietly observant.
Before they knew it, noon was fast approaching.
“Are you guys starving yet? I think it’s time to hit the dining hall.”
Claire checked her phone. It was already eleven-thirty.
By the time they walked over and got through the food lines, the timing would be perfect.
Since it was move-in day, the
Shovel
cafeteria wouldn’t be at peak Capacity but it would still be bustling. FindNovel.net
Better to beat the rush.
“I could eat.”
Zara had been up since dawn preparing to move, so her stomach was already rumbling.
Skylar was practically vibrating with excitement. “My parents took me out to eat fast night, so I missed out. I need to see if Cabinda University’s food lives up to the hype.
“The upperclassmen at registration swore the dining hall is amazing.”
Lex, like Claire, had eaten here before during their camp.
She knew exactly what to expect.
The food was genuinely incredible, and way cheaper than eating off-campus.
It was a godsend for a student on her tight budget.
“Let’s go,
heres go! I’m wasting away cheered, always the ne
Skylar
first in line when
ood was involved
As it turned out, they had vastly underestimated the allure of the university’s dining options.
The student population was sparse, but the sheer number of parents made up for it.
Every parent dropping off their kid wanted a taste of the elite institution’s culinary offerings.
Entire families occupied row after row of tables.
Claire and Lex both had their student meal cards ready, and Skylar had set hers up the day before.