chapter1276

Lucinda turned her face away, clearly irritated. I told you, I don't need your help." It was humiliating enough that Caspian had seen her like this, all messed up and vulnerable. But he just stood there, refusing to back off.

Lucinda, I'm not trying to bother you," he said, his voice gentle. I just think you should put something on your face. It'll help with the swelling."

No one wanted to walk around with a slap mark, especially not a proud girl like Lucinda

She hesitated, torn between pride and the sting on her cheek.

"There's a pharmacy nearby," Caspian continued. "Wait in the car. I'll go get some ointment." Then he turned and took off down the sidewalk.

Lucinda watched his retreating figure, frowning a little. Why was it always like this? Why did the people she least wanted to see show up when she was at her lowest, when she needed someone most?

She got back into her car. Her hand hovered over the ignition for a second, but she didn't start the engine. Maybe, just for now, she craved a little kindness.

A bitter smile tugged at her lips. A year ago, she never would have guessed that after her glamorous eighteenth birthday, she'd end up so alone, so overlooked. And it was all because of Lydia. Just thinking about her made Lucinda's eyes darken. She wasn't the only one who wanted Lydia gone. This time Lydia lost her eyesight. Next time, who knew... maybe she'd lose her life.

Caspian came running back, a little out of breath. Relief flashed across his face when he saw her car still there. He must have been worried she'd leave.

"Lucinda, I got it," he said, holding out the ointment and trying to catch his breath. She took it, her expression cool. "Thanks."

He looked like he wanted to say more, but she beat him to it. "You should go."

He swallowed whatever he was about to say and nodded. "Okay. I'll be in the Capital for a few days. If you need anything, call me. Seriously."

She nodded, barely glancing at him before hitting the gas and pulling away.

It wasn't until she'd driven far enough to lose sight of him that she pulled over. She opened the ointment and studied her reflection in the rearview mirror. The swelling on her cheek looked even worse under the harsh light. She clenched her jaw, fighting back the urge to scream if she could, she would have forn those two areves apart. How dare they mess with her face? Did they have any idea what it was worth? Her skincare routine alone cost more than those losers would make in a couple years.

She dabbed the ointment on carefully, but the redness refused to disappear. Frustrated, she grabbed her compact and tried to cover it up with makeup. Only when she'd done all she could did she start the car and head for the Norwood family house.

As she pulled up and got out, she worried Cameron or Kylie might notice her injury. She kept her head down as she walked toward the

door, but before she could even step

inside, she heard Kylie's anxious

voice floating from the hallway.

"What is going on with Garrett? I haven't been able to reach him for days. Lydia and Connor are back, but where did he disappear to?"

Cameron's voice was calm. "Lydia said he's probably working on another experiment. You know how he gets. Once he's focused, he vanishes for a while.

"But he always tells us first," Kylie replied, sounding even more worried. "He never just goes off without a word. How am I supposed to stay calm?"

Lucinda listened from the entryway, her heart twisting with bitterness. She'd been mugged, nearly killed, and not one of them had even bothered to check if she was okay.