"I'm sorry, Claire. I didn't mean to. Please don't be mad."
Cindy instinctively stepped aside, looking jumpy, like she expected Claire to snap at her any second.
Claire almost laughed. Was Cindy really putting on a show right now?
"You didn't do anything. Why would I be angry?"
"And you don't have to act like I'm some kind of monster every time you see me."
"Unless you go out of your way to mess with me, I'm not going to bother you."
"We've already switched back. From now on, let's just stay out of each other's business, alright?"
Claire had always been straightforward. She never played games like Cindy, who always seemed to twist around what she wanted to say.
Cindy clearly hadn't seen that coming.
"Claire, do you have a problem with me? I just see you as a sister. I don't want you to drift away from Mom and Dad."
"They raised you, after all."
"And my grandma raised me."
Claire raised an eyebrow and leaned in a little, her voice dropping. "You really mean that?"
The question she didn't ask hung in the air. Was Cindy really not worried that Claire might try to win her parents and brother back?
Of course, Cindy didn't mean that. She wanted Claire as far from her life as possible.
"Claire, do you think I stole your parents from you?" Cindy looked hurt, her face twisted with guilt.
Lance suddenly cut in, glaring at Claire. “Claire, are you seriously bullying Cindy right in front of me? Do you think I'm not here?"
"I'm not bullying anyone. You're standing right there, aren't you?"
“Lance, can you move out of the way?" Claire didn't bother arguing anymore. She just stepped around them.
Lance's face turned red with frustration. "Stop right there. Where do you think you're going?"
Claire just rolled her eyes. Lance was seriously losing it these days.
"I'm going to the bathroom. Want to come with me?"
Lance was immediately at a loss for words.
He definitely wasn't going to follow her into the bathroom.
All he could do was turn to Cindy. "Cindy, don't worry about Claire. Go back to class."
"Oh, before I forget, during the next break, head to the admin office and get measured. The school's ordering you a custom uniform."
"Okay. Thanks, Lance." Cindy nodded, grateful.
When Cindy got back to her seat, Molly
"Cindeed in, obviously jealous
"Cindy, your brother is amazing. He's not just handsome, he's so patient with you."
Cindy felt her heart flutter with
happiness. "Lance really is great et
wouldn't have been able to come
back to the James family without him."
FindNovel.net
“If only I had a brother like that. Why aren't there any good-looking guys around
me?"
Molly was definitely up to something.
She'd seen Lance before and had
even tried to get Claire to introduce them, but Claire had just brushed her off saying "Lance wouldn't be interested in you" fo FindNovel.net
That stung. Why wouldn't he be? Molly was sure Claire just looked down on her, and that made her dislike Claire even more.
"Well, if I get the chance, I'll introduce you to Lance," Cindy said, totally sincere.
Molly's eyes sparkled. Was this her lucky day?
The fake heiress wouldn't help her, but the real one was on her side.
She started daydreaming about becoming Cindy's sister-in-law and treating her extra well.
"Cindy, you're so sweet. Not like some people who just look down on others." Cindy blushed and looked down. "I'm not as nice as you say."
She knew exactly who Molly was talking about.
She thought about defending Claire, but let it go. It was obvious Molly couldn't stand Claire.
The more she tried to explain, the worse it would probably get.