chapter111

Sandy hadn't expected to run into Lydia here again. She glanced around without thinking, then asked, "Hey, where's that guy you were with tonight? Soren and I saw you in the park earlier."

Soren kept his eyes on Lydia, who looked as cool and unapproachable as ever. A thought crossed his mind. If Lydia really was out here selling herself, would he be able to buy a night with her if he just paid enough?

Lydia's eyes narrowed, annoyance flashing across her face. She shot Soren a look, then turned her cold gaze on Sandy. "Mind your own business."

She didn't bother waiting for a reply. Lydia walked off, not giving them another glance.

Sandy pouted, looking like she was about to cry. Once Lydia was safely out of earshot, she leaned in close to Jenson and Milana and whispered, Dad, Mom, Soren and I really just saw Lydia with a man. And he wasn't the same as the guys we saw her with before."

"What a disgrace. That's all she can do now-sell her body for some dirty money. Stay away from her, you hear me."

"Got it, Mom. Has Dean left already? What's happening with Luke's surgery? When can it happen?"

Sandy could barely wait to get engaged to Soren.

Soren wanted to know, too, so he chimed in, "Yeah, any word on when Luke's surgery is scheduled?"

Milana forced a laugh. Well, Dean said we need to wait a few more days. Don't worry. With Sandy as our lucky charm, Luke will be just fine."

Sandy's face brightened with pride. "That's good."

Lydia drove back to Riverside Villas and parked her car. Kylie and Lucinda had just arrived at the front entrance as well.

When Kylie spotted Lydia about to go inside, her eyes widened. "Lydia? I thought you were behind us."

Jack, the family driver who'd picked Lydia up from the start, couldn't help but butt in. "Ma'am, Miss Norwood's driving is way better than mine."

He remembered the day he rode with Miss Norwood-he'd almost lost his lunch. All he could say was, she had incredible skills behind the wheel. He was no match at all.

Kylie's smile grew when she heard Jack praise her daughter. "Lydia really is amazing."

Lucinda bit her lip, her voice quiet and downcast. "Yeah. My sister is so talented. I really need to learn from her."

Kylie was worried Lucinda might feel left out, and quickly added, "Lucinda, you're amazing too. You, your sister and your brothers make your father and me so proud." fo

Lucinda's smile grew, but inside, she just sneered. Kylie always knew how to say the right things.

Lydia had noticed them and waited by the door for them to get out of the car. "Lydia, before we came home, I asked the kitchen to make some warm milk. You and Lucinda should have some before you go upstairs to rest."

Kylie honestly treated Lucinda like her own daughter. Even though Lydia was back and getting all the attention, Kylie never forgot to care for Lucinda just the same.

Lucinda's lips curled in a silent pout. They always remembered her for some cheap milk, but when it came to talking about family engagements, at the hospital, did anyone ask how she felt?

Lydia caught the resentment in Lucinda's eyes but just ignored it. She nodded at Kylie. "Thank you."

Grace saw them coming in and hurried over. "Ma'am, Miss Lucinda, you're back." She acted like Lydia wasn't even there.

Kylie frowned. "Grace, can't you see Lydia is with us too?"

Grace quickly bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. I was just so worried about Mr. Norwood's health that I didn't notice Miss Lydia."

"I'll let it go this time. But if you forget about Lydia again, your year-end bonus is on the line."

"Yes, Ma'am, I understand."

"Good. Go have someone bring out the milk for the girls."

"Right away."

Lucinda watched as Kylie scolded Grace in front of everyone, and her resentment bubbled up again. Grace had practically helped raise her. She wasn't just a maid-she felt like family.