chapter171

Aiden had pulled together evidence for twenty-eight separate crimes.

He reached out to every victim. At first, the girls were terrified of Henry and his connections. None of them dared to speak up or press charges. But once they heard Henry had finally met his match and landed in police custody, they all sprang into action. Lawsuits were drafted. Evidence was stacked. They were determined to make sure he'd never see the outside of a cell again.

So, was he ever getting out? Not a chance.

"It's getting late. You've had a long day. Let me drive you home, you need to rest."

Connor looked at Lydia, his eyes full of concern. Girls from families like hers were usually treated like princesses, living in their own little worlds. Lucinda, for example, would make a huge scene over the tiniest scratch, rushing to the hospital like it was life or death. But Lydia was skilled, independent, and strong enough to protect herself and others.

How did she turn out so amazing?

Lydia checked her phone. It was already one thirty in the morning. No wonder she felt so drained.

"You really don't have to. I can drive myself. You should head home and get some sleep, too."

Connor just raised an eyebrow, his gaze stubborn. "No way. I promised your parents I'd get you home safe. I don't break my promises."

Lydia let out a soft sigh. She knew how persistent he could be, so she just nodded. "Alright."

Connor caught her reluctant smile and he smirked, just a little. He could tell Lydia was starting to let him in, even if she wouldn't admit it out loud.

Meanwhile, Cameron and Kylie had already reached Riverside Villas.

The last few days had been exhausting with everything going on with the old man's health. Honestly, if it weren't for Lydia, they would have been completely overwhelmed.

But now, something else was eating at them. Lucinda had told the Parkers that Lydia was their goddaughter.

They just couldn't figure out why.

"Honey, we need to talk to Lucinda about this. I want to understand what she was thinking," Kylie said gently.

Before Lydia came into their lives, Lucinda had been their world. Even now, nothing had changed. They loved her, and neither of them believed she ever mean hama. There had to be a reason

Cameron nodded. "Her light's still on. Should we go now?"

"Let's do it."

They had no idea Lucinda was upstairs, desperately waiting for them and Lydia to come home.

She was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open, but curiosity kept her wide awake. She needed to know what kind of trouble Lydia had dragged their parents into this time enough to send them running to the police station in the middle of the night.

Suddenly, she heard a car pull up outside. She rushed to the window and saw her parents' car in the driveway.

Without thinking, she dashed downstairs.

Cameron and Kylie had just stepped inside when they saw Lucinda racing down the steps, barefoot and still in her pajamas.

"Lucinda?" Cameron called, surprised.

Lucinda scanned behind them no sign of Lydia. A little spark of satisfaction lit up inside her.

Lydia must have caused trouble again, probably got into it with Rose or someone else, and now she was stuck at the police station.

Serves her right!

She always knew Lydia was just a clueless country girl. It was only a matter of time before she messed up at work and landed in a mess. She just didn't expect it to happen this fast.

"Dad, Mom, where did you go so late? You didn't even tell me. I was so worried. And what about Lydia? Why isn't she home yet?"

Lucinda's face was the picture of concern, her worried act so perfect she could have won an Oscar.