Amelia's factory couldn't withstand scrutiny, and Beatrice knew her own family's foundation wasn't exactly spotless either.
The two girls quickly scurried away as if fleeing a plague.
Watching their panicked retreat, Shirley couldn't suppress a laugh. "Claire, you're untouchable."
Sophia drifted over, handing them both a small plate. "These desserts aren't bad." Claire and Shirley each took a bite.
"The VIA Grand has a stellar reputation. Their pastry chefs can whip these up in their sleep," Claire noted.
It wasn't her first time tasting it. In the months leading up to her exams, she had practically lived off The VIA Grand's catering, which always included these exact treats.
Edison had personally arranged all those meals.
Claire enjoyed the Peach Mousse a dessert crafted to look like the actual fruit, but with the rich, velvety texture of ice cream mousse.
They savored their treats in peace, finally free from unwanted interruptions.
Soon, however, Claire noticed another girl nearby doing the exact same thing.
She had a chic bob, large expressive eyes, and a fuller, curvy figure that suited her perfectly.
She appeared a few years older than them, dripping in jewelry that screamed generational wealth.
She was dressed in a piece from SUNNY's recent summer collection.
Shirley tugged at Claire's sleeve. "That's Tabitha James."
"York's new fiancée?" A faint smile touched Claire's lips.
It wasn't a mocking smile. Tabitha seemed like a vibrant woman-honestly, she was far too good for a guy like York.
Tabitha's curves only added to her magnetic charm; she unapologetically owned her figure.
Sensing eyes on her, Tabitha turned toward Claire's group.
Her gaze dropped to the half-eaten Peach Mousse in Claire's hand, and her eyes lit up.
She walked straight over to them. "Are you guys obsessed with the Peach Mousse too?"
"It's my absolute favorite here. The VIA Grand doesn't do takeout for it, so I crash every gala they host just for the dessert table."
Was this girl really that refreshingly straightforward?
"Yeah, the pastries here are incredible," Claire agreed with a nod.
Claire nodded at her.
"Have you tried this one? It's amazing."
Tabitha offered her another plate.
Claire took it. "Thanks."
It was Tiramisu, and it looked just as delicious.
"I'm Tabitha James," she introduced herself with a warm, open smile.
Claire shook her hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Claire."
"Claire..... wait." Tabitha studied her face. "Are you the..."
The fake heiress of the James family?
Tabitha remembered that Claire wasn't just the former James heiress she was also ork's
expancée Content beloel
FindNovel.net
"You are gorgeous!"
The words slipped out of Tabitha's mouth before she could stop them.
She had met Cindy, York's other ex-fiancée, before.
And she thought Claire was undeniably more stunning than Cindy.
York was truly an idiot; his taste in women clearly plummeted with every engagement.
Tabitha had somehow managed to voice her unfiltered internal monologue out loud.
Claire chuckled, genuinely amused.
Tabitha slapped a hand over her mouth. "Whoops. I didn't say that."
"It's fine," Claire replied.
It was a compliment, so she certainly didn't mind.
"But seriously, you're breathtaking, And I heard you top-scored the
vel
exams Being that brilliant the t
gorgeous... York really took an breaking off your engagement!"
Claire smiled warmly. "I think so too. Though honestly, I consider it a massive win for me."
Without that engagement, she had the whole world in front of her.
As for York, who cared about him?
"Let's not talk about him." Tabitha clearly
sea zero interest in discussing York shifting the tel
back to the gala with a grin content