The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 527

Cindy couldn’t help but hope that Claire would totally bomb the test. That definitely wasn’t a question Rose could have answered. Next door, Claire sneezed twice in a row. Shirley grinned, a little smug. “They’re definitely talking trash about you right now.”

Claire gave her a look. “You sure they’re not talking about you, too?”

Shirley just laughed, brushing it off. “With you taking all the heat, nobody’s really paying attention to me these days.” Before Cindy showed up, it was always her and Claire butting heads. Back then, people probably loved watching them squabble like sisters.

Shirley couldn’t help but ask, “Be honest, did I used to annoy the crap out of you?”

Thinking about all the pointless drama she’d started, Shirley had to laugh at herself. Why had she been so obsessed with giving Claire a hard time? Probably just jealousy—classic kid stuff.

“I’m older now, more mature. Seriously, I won’t be that dumb again. Promise.”

Claire shot her a sideways look. “You sure about that?”

Shirley was always quick to lose her temper. If someone even poked at her the wrong way, she’d snap. Who knew if she’d make the same dumb mistakes again? Still, Claire honestly wasn’t too bothered either way.

“What is up with Cindy anyway? She knows we can’t stand her, but she keeps showing up around us like she’s waiting for something.”

Shirley just couldn’t figure it out, but Sophia chimed in from the side. “She probably thought you two would feel guilty about leaving her out.”

“No way. You guys are both pros at ignoring people… She’s got to be even angrier now that it’s not bothering you.”

He replied, keeping his usual detached tone. “Cindy said you guys were singing here. I just wanted to make sure she didn’t drink too much.”

York had a reason—Cindy had gotten drunk a couple of times before, and he genuinely seemed worried. As he looked over at Claire, who hadn’t acknowledged him once, he remembered something his dad had said. He felt a vague kind of sympathy for Cindy, which left him a little resentful toward Claire. But at the same time, seeing how much more impressive Claire was becoming these days… it was confusing.

He suddenly asked, “You two are out hanging together. Why didn’t you invite Cindy?”

That was rich. Seriously, what a question.

Claire just gave him a sly smile. “Cindy likes hanging out with Rose and their group. She probably wouldn’t be into what we’re doing.”