The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 1345

Cindy's forced smile shattered. "What kind of safety net could my mother possibly leave me?"

She desperately wanted to play the sympathy card, but she needed Claire to actually buy it.

There was zero chance Claire believed Octavia had left Cindy stranded.

Even though Cindy was the product of an affair, it was obvious Octavia harbored immense guilt toward her. She would have undoubtedly established a secret fund.

Setting up an escape route for Cindy was effectively securing one for herself.

Even if Octavia didn't prioritize Cindy, she would have absolutely hidden assets for her own survival.

Otherwise, all her years scheming in high society would have been a complete joke.

"Like cash, or maybe real estate. You aren't actually wandering the streets, are you?"

Claire smirked, her gaze piercing right through the lie.

Naturally, Cindy wasn't about to confess that Octavia had, in fact, deeded a property to her.

"I just want to wish Pandora a happy holiday. Are you blocking me because you're terrified she'll take pity on me?"

Cindy convinced herself that if Pandora saw her current pathetic state, the old woman's maternal instincts would kick in.

Even if Pandora didn't hand over Hearth & Kettle, just being allowed to live there would be a massive victory.

Residing in such a prestigious estate would make landing a wealthy husband incredibly easy.

Cindy knew her grip on York was slipping rapidly.

His affection for her had been thoroughly drained.

If she didn't walk away gracefully soon, she would obliterate whatever lingering goodwill he had left.

At that point, she would mean absolutely nothing to him.

She planned to pack her bags and play the martyr, claiming she didn't want to ruin York's life. That performance was guaranteed to keep him pining for her.

In the meantime, moving into Hearth & Kettle would serve as the perfect launchpad to snag an even better fiancé.

"What happened to your face?" Claire asked, completely ignoring Cindy's delusional rant as she noticed something highly entertaining.

Someone had clearly slapped Cindy. Half of her face was inflamed and slightly swollen.

The heavy layer of foundation almost masked it, but Claire's gaze was far too sharp to miss it.

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