chapter213

Mr. Jefferson let out another laugh. I just feel bad you had to come out here again in this heat."

"It's no bother at all. I'm just happy to see you're doing well." Lucinda replied, her tone sweet and playful.

Connor couldn't take it anymore. He stood up and looked at Lydia. "Want me to show you around the garden?"

He'd been waiting for a chance to help Lydia get comfortable with the place.

Lydia was more than happy to go. She stood up too. Grandpa Samuel, I'm going to take a little walk outside."

Mr. Jefferson wished he could join them. He finally got to see his lovely granddaughter-in-law, but with Lucinda sitting there, things felt complicated.

Chris jumped up right away. "I'll come too."

He honestly couldn't stand being around Lucinda. There was something about her voice, that fake sweetness, that made his skin crawl.

Connor shot Chris a look, letting him know to back off.

Chris ignored him completely, moving to Lydia's other side with a grin. "Hey, do you like water lilies? I can show you the pond."

Connor rolled his eyes. Was Chris really stealing his line right now?

Lucinda's eyes drifted toward the vase on the cabinet, full of stunning blooms.

She'd noticed it as soon as she arrived. Grandpa Samuel usually guarded his flowers like treasure, so it was a surprise to see so many picked for a vase.

And the snacks, the pastries, the fancy drinks were all these for Lydia?

She'd been sitting there for ages, sweating and thirsty, and no one had even offered her a glass of water.

Watching Connor and Chris each take an arm and lead Lydia out, Lucinda felt her anger rising. She wanted to walk in the garden with Connor too.

Grandpa Samuel, the water lilies look amazing this year. Could I maybe have one?" she asked, turning on the charm.

Lucinda knew just how much Mr. Jefferson loved those water lilies. He and Grandma Heather had planted them together, and he never let anyone pick one.

But since he'd already picked some today, maybe he'd let her have

one-or even give her the whole

vase That would be perfect for net

social media post, showing everyone how much Grandpa

Samuel liked her.

Mr. Jefferson chuckled. "Funny you ask. I already gave this vase to Lydia."

Lucinda was stunned, her mind screeching to a halt. What?

He gave the whole thing to Lydia?

That bitch always had to compete with her for everything.

Still, Lucinda didn't want to give up. She put on her sweetest face and pleaded Mr. Jefferson. "But Grandpa Samuel, I really love them too."

Mr. Jefferson's eyes twinkled. If I remember right, the water lilies in your family's garden are even prettier than mine. Lydia came all the way

here in this heat to check on me and write a prescription. Ddidn't have much to give, so I gave her the flowers to say thank you You're not

going to get mad at your old grandpa over a few flowers, are you?" He laughed warmly.

Lucinda burned with frustration but kept her smile, pretending to be gracious. "Since you gave them to my sister as a thank you, of course won't take them. How about we go see the water lilies you and O Grandma Heather planted?"

Mr. Jefferson patted his chest with a sigh. Oh, Lucinda, I'm sorry. My chest has

been tight lately, and I've felt weak. It's way too hot outside for me now."

Lucinda felt a jolt of hope. Was he hinting she should go see them herself? That would be perfect.

But then Mr. Jefferson added, "I don't want you to go home with a sunburn. Why don't you stay here and have some tea with me?

Meanwhile, Connor and Chris had already led Lydia out to the pond in the back garden.