Octavia named a hotel-ironically, the same one where Claire's disastrous coming- of-age party had been held.
Claire immediately felt a twinge of suspicion. Was Octavia deliberately picking that place, or had she simply not thought it through? Last time's gala had ended in catastrophe; now they wanted to throw her another party in the exact same venue? Did they not worry about the inevitable whispers among the guests?
"I don't think that's a great idea," Claire said flatly, not bothering to soften her tone.
Octavia faltered, momentarily at a loss for words. She should have known—no matter the occasion, Claire could always be counted on to get under her skin.
"Claire, you've earned the honor of being this city's valedictorian. We're genuinely happy for you; this party is just our way of expressing that."
"It's a sincere celebration, I promise."
"And it's not just for you. Cindy and Shirley are included as well."
"We have three girls going off to college this year-your uncle is over the moon."
Octavia knew Claire had a mountain of grievances against her, but perhaps not toward Latham. So, she made a point of roping him into the conversation, hoping that Claire might be more willing to agree if he was involved.
Of course, if Claire chose to refuse, that was fine as well. In fact, it might spare her the headache of dealing with Cindy's inevitable mood swings.
Octavia was making the call right in front of Latham, partly as a performance for his benefit.
"I know Shirley did well, but didn't Cindy's results fall short?” Claire interjected. "If we throw a joint party, aren't we rubbing salt in her wounds?"
"You're her mother-you wouldn't want her to have a breakdown, would you?"
Octavia shot Latham a helpless look. “Latham, maybe you should talk to her."
"She's just worried about how Cindy will take it. She really doesn't want to go through with this."
Octavia took the opportunity to hand Latham the phone.
He took it, his tone gentle. "Claire, didn't we agree we'd throw this party for all three of you?"
"Don't worry, Cindy's sensitive, but she's not spiteful.”
"She'll likely spend the next year retaking her exams to try for a better placement—it would be wonderful if you could give her some pointers."
"We made a mess of your coming-of-age party last time. Let us make it up to you by handling this one. You have nothing to worry about."
"We can even bring your grandmother and the rest of the family to town, so everyone can be together and celebrate."
Latham thought he had it all figured out. His adopted daughter's achievements could give the James family a boost in reputation. After all, Claire had only recently left, and all her prior education and succes and success were thanks to the family's efforts. Being able to take credit for raising a city valedictorian would be a feather in Latham's cap.
Unfortunately for him, none of his careful plans meant a thing if Claire refused to play along.
"No, thanks. I think Grandma would prefer to host the celebration at our family estate, where we can honor our heritage and legacy properly."
Claire used this as an excuse to sidestep Latham's invitation, leaving him completely at a loss for words.
He was itching to tell her not to cling
to such old-fashioned
traditions-she was city
valedictorian now, whyks
dwelling on those dusty old family
rituals?
But then he remembered what
Octavia had told him: as soon as
Claire returned to the James family estate, she'd been formally acknowledged as the next heiress. If
he dismissed her traditions out o hand, he'd risk burning bridges with his adopted daughter.
"Then when are you having the party at home?" Latham asked after a pause. "We
could all come down and join you."
Claire hesitated just a moment. "The date isn't set yet. And... are you sure you want
to come? I worry people might start asking about Cindy."
“She's a bit fragile, and if she hears too much, she might take it to heart."
"She'll think everyone's comparing her to me."
Claire was intentionally using Cindy as a shield to dodge their plans.