The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 1372

"Officer, he's just my mentor," she said, her voice trembling with manufactured grief.

"I came to The Cabinda University as an exchange student, hoping to find a doctor in Solenia capable of treating his illness."

"I had some health issues myself, and Claire helped me recover."

"She's brilliant. I just wanted her to heal my mentor."

"I had no idea he was planning to abduct her and drag her back to Sundara," Meiko continued, tears welling in her eyes.

"But he is my mentor. When he asked for a favor, I couldn't just walk away."

"He promised he could help Claire secure a spot at a top university in Sundara for two years."

"He said it was a win-win. She wouldn't fall behind in her studies, and she'd earn a massive paycheck for treating him."

"Honestly, it was a great deal."

"Sundara's medical programs are world-class; she could have learned so much more there than here in Solenia."

"I was genuinely looking out for her."

Meiko seemed entirely convinced of her own innocence, painting her betrayal as an act of charity.

It was impossible to tell if she had actually deluded herself into believing the lie or if it was a masterclass in manipulation.

"Our intel suggests you and Claire were never friends," Silas stated coldly. "She was your doctor, nothing more."

His tone made it clear he wasn't buying her charitable act.

Unfazed, Meiko offered a gentle defense. "Claire can be a bit distant, but I know she has a good heart."

"Otherwise, she never would have treated me."

Had Claire heard that, she would have laughed at the sheer audacity.

Meiko was a viper biting the hand that healed her. If Claire hadn't sniffed out the woman's ulterior motives early on, she easily could have fallen for that innocent, tear-stained facade.

While Claire had escaped the ordeal unscathed, Dewitt and Dane had both taken some hits.

After Silas arranged for a secure transport back to the city, Claire headed straight to the hospital.

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