chapter203

Cameron and Kylie suddenly realized their words might have given Lucinda the wrong idea.

"Lucinda, your dad and I just meant your sister's had a rough time. You're amazing too, you know. You're talented at just about everything-music, art, writing. We're so proud of you."

"That's right, Lucinda. You and your sister are both our treasures. We love you both, no matter what."

Cameron moved to Lucinda's side and gave her a gentle pat on the head, his eyes full of warmth.

Lucinda's heart melted. This was what she loved most-feeling like she was the center of her parents' world.

"I'm sorry, Mom, Dad. I shouldn't have said that," she said quietly.

"It's all right. You look like you've gotten thinner lately. Eat a little more."

Her parents sat down on either side of her and started piling food onto her plate. In

no time, her bowl was stacked just as high as Lydia's across from her.

Lucinda managed a small smile, but inside, she bit back her frustration.

Why was it that, whenever Lydia was around, her parents just didn't see her?

Lydia should never have come back. Why did she have to return?

Meanwhile, Lydia and Dr. Hady had found a quiet spot to talk.

"Any updates from the Smith family?" Lydia asked before Dr. Hady could even open his mouth.

"Yes, they said the kidney donor is their own daughter. She's agreed to go ahead. They want us to get started on the pre-op work. And they mentioned they've invited Miracle Hands for the surgery. That's how I realized you'd already said yes."

Dr. Hady had no idea what kind of relationship Lydia had with the Smiths.

"All right. Pre-op will take about three hours, so let's schedule the surgery for six tonight. I've got some other things to take care of first.

Dr. Hady nodded. "No problem."

Once the time and plan were set, Lydia took out her phone and sent Connor a message. [I've got a surgery tonight. Send me the address. I'll come by to check on Grandpa Samuel later.]

It didn't matter if the old man was really sick or just pretending. It was better to see him soon. Once she got busy, who knew when she'd have time, and she didn't want to keep him waiting.

Connor was halfheartedly poking at the fancy lunch Aiden had brought him when Lydia's message popped up.

Suddenly, his whole mood shifted. The second he saw she'd be coming to see his grandfather, he felt a jolt of happiness, like something bright and warm blooming in his chest.

He wrote back right away. [Still at the hospital? I'll come pick you up.]

Lydia glanced at the message and realized there was no point refusing. She just replied: Okay.

As soon as her reply came through, Connor called his grandfather.

It had been hot lately, and Mr. Jefferson hadn't had much of an appetite. He'd just

told the housekeeper to clear the table when his phone rang.

He picked up straight away, launching into a rant. "You brat! Is it really that hard to bring Lydia over for a meal? If you can't manage it, I'll just ask Chris. Last time, Chris brought her to the hospital to see

me, and he even went out riding with her!

"And look at you. You don't have a hobby that young people are into. That's why

Lydia doesn't want to hang out with you!"

Chris was sprawled on the couch

playing video games when he heard that, and he almost dropped his

Controlle

"Sell Grandpa? Can't

you scold my brother without

dragging me into it? I'm innocent

here." innocent

Connor's face darkened. What was that supposed to mean? Did Grandpa think he was old?

Grandpa, Lydia's not interested in Chris. He's too childish, not man enough to protect her. If anything, she has to protect him."

Chris looked like he was about to cry. What did he ever do to deserve this? Why was he always the one getting roasted?

Mr. Jefferson just snorted. "At least he's young and knows how to make Lydia happy."

Chris buried his face in his hands, wishing he could disappear.

Connor let out a quiet sigh. I was going to bring Lydia over to check on your chest pains, but since you seem to like Chris so much, maybe I won't bother.