chapter231

Tina looked down and spoke softly. "Lucinda, we'd never do that. It was Grace who accused us and tried to fire us without even asking Lydia or you. After Lydia came downstairs and told the truth, Grace still questioned her. She really crossed the line."

Lucinda's face turned red with anger. Ever since Lydia came back, the staff barely even pretended to respect her anymore. Back in the day, these housekeepers would have been on their knees, begging her for forgiveness. Now, they actually talked back.

Lydia didn't even acknowledge Lucinda's rage. She focused on Grace instead. "You made a mistake. Apologize, and we'll let it go."

Grace was so angry she could barely breathe, her hands balled into fists at her sides.

"What's wrong? You don't want to listen to me?" Lydia's lips curled up in a little smile, but her eyes stayed cold as ice. No one dared meet her gaze for long.

Grace hesitated, biting her lip before lowering her head. "No, it's my fault. I'll apologize to them."

Lucinda was so mad she couldn't see straight, but she had nothing to say. She couldn't fight Lydia now.

Judy and Alexis, terrified, hid behind Tina as Grace walked toward them. The last thing they wanted was an apology from Grace. They knew the second Lydia left, both Lucinda and Grace would come after them.

Lydia seemed to know exactly what they were afraid of. She called for the butler, explained everything in a few words, then said, "You're our witness today. Once the apology is done, that's the end of it. If anyone causes trouble when I'm not here, I'll make sure they leave the Norwood family for good."

The butler nodded. "Yes, Miss."

With no other choice, Grace had to apologize to Tina, Judy, and Alexis in front of everyone. Only then did the crowd finally break up.

Lucinda was about to explode. Why did Lydia always have to come out on top? Why did she always have the upper hand?

She stormed over to the dining table

and sat down, glaring at Lydia

across from her. Lucinda's lips curled into a sly smile. "Sister, the final exam results come out today.

Are you planning to apply to Oakwood College or Capital

College?"

Lydia instantly caught her meaning. She didn't even bother to look up. "That's none of your business."

Lucinda sneered in her heart. She

just knew Lydia couldn't get in. Why did she act all high and mighty? act.all She'd already investigated. Lydia's grades at that rundown schoolin Lakeview Town were a disaster. Getting into even a community college would be hard, letalone Oakwood or Capital.

Just then, Grace and the other staff quickly brought out breakfast. The table was filled with delicious food.

Lydia was in a rush. She picked up a straw and gently stirred her steaming milk. Suddenly, she paused.

She looked up to see Grace standing

next to Lucinda, staring at her a little

too closely. As soon as Lydia lifted

her head, Grace quickly turned away and whispered to be

"Lucinda,

the milk is a little hot. Maybe det it cool off first, like Lydia is doing."

Lucinda thought that was weird. Why was Grace telling her to copy Lydia? Please. She wasn't as delicate as Lydia.

After a sip of milk, instantly, her eyes widened. It was burning hot. She cursed silently, blaming the kitchen. Why would they serve milk this hot, especially on a warm day?

Meanwhile, Lydia smiled sweetly, her eyes gentle as she looked at Grace. "Grace, I was thinking, you really have done so much for this family. All these years, thank you for your hard work."

Grace lifted her chin, thinking Lydia was finally admitting she was wrong. She put on

a fake smile. I've always been treated like family here. Doing my part is only natural."