chapter197

Lydia watched Lucinda crumble again, tears streaming down her face in front of their parents. Honestly, Lydia was tired of her theatrics. She cried at the drop of a hat.

Her poor grandfather. The granddaughter he'd always treasured had sent him to the operating room twice. He'd almost died. Twice.

"Mom, Dad, now that everything's clear, I'm going to talk to Dr. Hady," Lydia said. She didn't bother looking at Lucinda, who was still trying her hardest to cry harder. Lydia just turned and walked out.

She couldn't stand Lucinda's act anymore. Whether or not Lucinda should be blamed, she'd leave that to her parents and grandfather. It wasn't her job to judge.

The moment Lydia left, Lucinda was visibly relieved, but her cries only grew louder, full of that pitiful, brokenhearted energy.

Dad, Mom, it's all my fault. I can't do anything right. If you're upset, just scold me. Hit me if you have to," she wailed, already trying to kneel at their feet.

Cameron rushed over and pulled her up. Lucinda, what are you doing? We don't blame you. You brought Grandpa breakfast because you care about him. What happened was just an accident. If anyone's responsible, it's me. If I'd gotten up earlier, maybe it wouldn't have happened."

Kylie nodded, her face full of guilt. "He's right, Lucinda. It's not your fault at all. It's ours. We slept in and didn't help.

Lucinda sniffed, voice trembling. "I knew you two were exhausted last night, so I didn't want to wake you. I never thought things would go so wrong... She broke

down again.

"Okay, no more of this," Cameron said gently. "What matters is that your grandfather is safe. Let's all be more careful from now on, and make sure something like this doesn't happen again."

Lucinda wiped her eyes. "I'll remember, I promise. Thank you for not being angry with me, Dad, Mom."

She'd been their precious daughter for eighteen years. Seeing her cry so hard, taking the blame and trying to be strong, it made Cameron and Kylie's hearts soften.

"Silly girl, we know you didn't mean for any of this to happen," Cameron said.

Hearing that, Lucinda finally

managed a small smile. Her parents

still loved her. Lydia had tried so

hard to get them to punish her, bu

her plan had failed. fo

Lydia could try whatever she

wanted. Lucinda had lived with the Norwood family for eighteen years Her parents loved her like theirown. There was no way they'd toss her aside so easily.

Just wait, Lydia. Even if Lucinda wasn't their real daughter, she still mattered to this family.

Grandpa still adored her. Even after Lydia came back, that wouldn't change.

Meanwhile, Lydia walked into Dr. Hady's office and found him on the phone.

"Yes, he is stable. He's in the ICU now, there's no need to worry," Dr. Hady said. "We'll keep a close eye on his recovery."

He hung up as soon as he saw Lydia and hurried over, respectful. "Thank you so much for earlier."

Lydia just nodded, not saying much.

Dr. Hady explained, That was Mr. Garrett Norwood, calling for an update on Mr. Norwood. He's the one who's been handling his care until now."

Dr. Hady recalled that Lydia hadn't been connected to the Norwood family before and even went by a different surname. Now, suddenly, she was their daughter. It was a surprise, but he knew questions about her private life. C ntent

t to ask

"Did he say when he'll be back?" Lydia asked.

"He's really worried about Mr. Norwood. He said he'll come by in the next couple of

days. I didn't mention you at all."

Lydia preferred to keep her business quiet. If she wanted people to know

something, she'd tell them herself.

"Alright. Pull up Luke's medical records for me."