chapter152

Jenson nodded right away. "Of course. If San... the donor doesn't agree, how could we even go ahead with the surgery?"

Since Sandy was standing right there, Jenson kept his words vague.

"You two need to talk seriously with Sandy. As long as she says yes, we can schedule the surgery in the next couple of days. Luke really can't wait any longer." Milana's heart leapt with hope. This was it. This was truly, finally happening.

Her precious son, Luke, was going to be saved.

While Milana and Jenson were still caught up in their relief, the old lady's voice cut in again. "Before that, though, I have one condition."

Jenson gave a big, eager smile. Anything you want, just tell us. If it means saving Luke, we'd agree to ten things, not just one."

Milana shot him a tense look. Was he letting his excitement run away with him? Did he really think this would be easy? A wave of unease washed over her.

She was right to worry. The old woman's voice came through the phone, firm and clear. "You need to go to Lyds and offer her a sincere apology. Apologize for the stupid mistake of throwing her out."

Milana didn't even give Jenson a chance to answer. She jumped up, furious. "Why should we apologize to her? We raised that girl for eighteen years, never asking for anything in return, and now you want us to say sorry? Mom, you've really lost it!"

Jenson tried to cut her off. "Stop it!"

"Why should I stop? You're making this ridiculous demand just because you want Lydia to come back to the family, aren't you? Clearly, she matters more to you than your own grandson's life!"

Mrs. Smith fired right back, her voice sharp with anger. "Don't flatter yourselves. Even if you begged her, Lydia would never come back to this family."

But Milana wouldn't back down. She scoffed. "We're not stupid, Mom. You're just using Miracle Hands and this surgery to force us into bringing Lydia back, aren't you?"

"You... You're just impossible!" the old woman snapped, so angry she could barely speak. "I've said what needs to be said. Do whatever you want." She hung up.

Jenson let out a frustrated sigh and turned on Milana. "What is wrong with you? Mom had already agreed to help us find Miracle Hands for Luke. Can't you just put your pride aside for our son?"

Milana felt so wronged she could barely get the words out. "How can I? She's only helping because she wants Lydia back Luke is her own grandson. How can she be so cold, using his life to threaten us?"

"Dad, Mom, please stop," Sandy said, trying to calm them both down. "Let's just take a breath. I think. Grandma really does care about Luke. As for having Lydia back, Lydia probably played the victim after we left, and Grandma felt sorry for her."

Milana's anger exploded again. Lydia, Lydia, always Lydia! What did I ever do to

her, in this life or the last, to deserve all this?"

Sandy's eyes lit up with an idea. "Dad, Mom, since Grandma said Lydia wouldn't come back even if you begged, why not make a deal? Tell Grandma you'll apologize, but only if she promises Lydia is never allowed to return to the Smith family. If Grandma agrees, just go say, sofry to Lydia quick and simple That'll make Grandma happy, and she'll get Miracle Hands for Luke's surgery."