chapter1114

Lucinda sat on the floor, numb and defeated, her nails digging painfully into her palms. She watched Kylie's profile, so cold and determined, and the last bit of hope in her heart flickered, barely holding on.

Just some money? Seriously?

Was that all she was worth to them?

She couldn't accept it. There was no way she would leave the Norwood family. She couldn't. Without them, how would she even survive in the Capital? Money meant nothing in those social circles. Unless they were planning to give her everything the Norwood family owned, she would be left with nothing. That, of course, was never going to happen.

Suddenly, she pushed herself up, stumbling over to Lydia. She dropped to her knees in front of her, tears streaming down her face. Lydia, please. I know I messed up. I really do... I'm begging you, just talk to Mom for me. She wants me gone, but I don't want to leave. I don't want to leave this family. Please, I really don't..."

Lydia looked down, her eyes cold and unreadable. "You've made the same mistakes again and again. I gave you chances. So did Mom and Dad. You never appreciated any of them."

If Lydia ever brought up everything Lucinda had done with Grace, Lucinda would have been out of this house a long time ago.

Lucinda shook her head desperately. "I'll change, I swear. I'll never speak to Grace again, I'll never let her talk me into hurting you. I promise, Lydia, I'll do anything, I swear on my life."

While Lucinda was crying and pleading, Mr. Norwood was being wheeled into the room by one of the housekeepers.

He saw Lucinda kneeling and tear-streaked, and his face instantly clouded with anger. Lucinda, what is this? Get up right now!"

Lucinda looked up at him like he was her last chance. Still on her knees, she crawled over, grabbing his sleeve. Her whole face was wet with tears. Grandpa, please, talk to Mom. Don't let her krek me out, I don te want to leave. This is my home, it's always been my home, I really don't want to go..."

Mr. Norwood's brow furrowed deeply. He turned and snapped at Kylie and Cameron. "You're kicking Lucinda out?"

Kylie stood up, looking tired and defeated. "Dad, Lucinda really went too far this time. There's proof. She and Grace worked together, over and over, to hurt Lydia. If we don't do something serious now, she'll just keep making the same mistakes."

Kylie honestly couldn't believe Lucinda had been talking to Grace all this time. They just teamed up against Lydia again and again; it was like she'd never learn. Thank God Lydia was strong enough to handle it.

That was why Kylie was so angry, so sure she had to make Lucinda leave.

Mr. Norwood's face turned red with rage, and he started coughing uncontrollably. "Lucinda grew up in this family. She's our child, even if she did something wrong. You can't just throw her out."

Lucinda clung to his legs, sobbing even harder. "Grandpa, I swear, I'm really sorry. I really do. I'll never do it again, I promise.....

Mr. Norwood stroked her hair, his

eyes full of pain as he looked over at Kylie and Cameron. "You both promised to treat Lucinda like your own daughter How can you be so cold now? She's still a child. If she makes mistakes, you teach her. You don't kick her out."

Kylie's eyes filled with tears. "Dad, this isn't just a rash decision. I've been thinking about it ever since we left the police station. Grace has been enabling ucinda and she's completely lost her way. If we don't send her away now, she'll only get in deeper."