chapter33

Lucinda's heart skipped a beat when she glanced up and saw the doorway crowded with people. There was Mr. Jefferson, Mikey, Chris, and her own parents all standing there together. The sight made her panic. She couldn't help tightening her grip, her fingers curling into her palms.

Had they heard what she'd just said to Grandpa? How much did they know? Would her parents be upset with her for speaking out of turn?

Cameron broke the silence with a gentle smile. Lucinda, what are you standing around for? Come say hello to Grandpa Samuel and Mikey and Chris."

Cameron's familiar, warm grin reassured her. Lucinda pushed aside her nerves and guilt, putting on her sweetest, most obedient face. She walked over to the group and greeted Grandpa Samuel and the boys with as much grace and politeness as she could manage.

Mikey, ever the gentleman, nodded back with a kind smile. Chris just gave a half- hearted nod, barely looking at her. Grandpa Samuel smiled too, but there was a quiet distance in his eyes that hadn't been there before.

He used to treat her with so much warmth. Even though she could be a bit spoiled, he'd always acted like she was already his granddaughter-in-law. He'd pampered her and made her feel special. But now, everything was different.

After hearing about everything Lydia had done, Grandpa Samuel's attitude toward her felt somehow cooler.

Lucinda noticed the change right away. Disappointment hit her, but she forced herself to stay strong. She was determined-she would show Grandpa Samuel that she was a hundred times better than Lydia.

She glanced around for someone she desperately wanted to see, but that person wasn't there. Lucinda wanted to ask, but she worried it would sound too obvious, so she quietly moved to stand beside Cameron and Kylie.

Mr. Norwood looked a little shocked by all the unexpected guests. "Samuel, what's up with you? Did your phone stop working? You couldn't even give me a heads-up?"

Grandpa Samuel burst out laughing. "I wanted to surprise you!

Mr. Norwood shook his head in disbelief. "Yeah, well, you almost surprised me into an early grave."

Everyone went quiet for a second.

The tension faded as Grandpa Samuel chuckled even harder and walked over to the bed. You're still as stubborn as ever. Who could have imagined Lydia and Lucinda were switched at birth? But it already happened, so just think of it as gaining another granddaughter. Look what you've put yourself through.

Mr. Norwood started to say something, then changed his mind and stayed silent.

Grandpa Samuel went on, And besides, shouldn't you be proud? Lydia's so young, and she already has such incredible medical skill."

Lucinda's chest tightened again. What did he mean by that? Did he already know everything? He sounded so pleased with Lydia, but she hadn't even seen Lydia in the room. Had Grandpa Samuel even met her yet? Why was he already praising her so much?

Mr. Norwood sighed. "So you know already?"

Grandpa Samuel nodded. "Cameron filled me in a little."

Mr. Norwood let out another sigh. Let's go to the living room and talk.

They all moved into the living room together. As soon as they sat down, Grandpa Samuel couldn't hold back his curiosity. "Cameron, where's Lydia?"

Cameron responded right away. "I've sent someone to find her. She hurt her hand, so she's probably resting."

The mention of Lydia's injury made Cameron and Kylie both look worried all over again.

Grandpa Samuel nodded, still full of praise. She really has a healer's heart. What she did was truly admirable."

The Jefferson family had always served in the military and government. Their sons grew up dedicating themselves to their country. Lydia just risked her own hand to protect a patient. That kind of selflessness left a deep impression on Grandpa Samuel.

Lucinda's hands clenched even tighter in her lap.