chapter445

"I heard the guy's some big shot. He's treating his girlfriend and her family to dinner, trying to win over the future in-laws. That's why he went all out like this."

"Oh wow, I wish I had a boyfriend that loaded. Seriously, sign me up.

"He's really gone above and beyond. The future parents-in-law are going to be so impressed."

"Right? Hope it all works out for him."

"Yeah, fingers crossed they make it down the aisle soon."

Everyone drifted away, their laughter echoing behind them.

Lydia glanced at Connor. "You really didn't have to go all out."

Connor just smiled. It's the least I could do."

Chris, standing nearby, grinned. "My brother never used to be like this. Ever since

he met you, he's a completely different person."

Chris honestly felt like Blake was almost unrecognizable these days.

"Just wait. Once you fall in love, you'll know exactly how I feel," Connor said, giving Chris a knowing look.

Connor never really understood romance before. He used to think love was just extra baggage. Now, with Lydia by his side, everything felt brighter, like the world suddenly had color.

Aiden walked over. "Boss, upstairs is ready."

Connor nodded. "Good job. When we get back, put down whatever bonus you want."

Aiden's face lit up. "Happy to help, boss."

Lydia checked her phone. Her parents should be arriving soon. She hesitated, then called Blake. She wasn't sure if he was done yet.

Blake picked up right away. "Lydia."

"Are you finished with work?"

"Yeah, just wrapped up. I'm with Mom, Dad, and Lucinda. We'll be there in three minutes."

Lydia smiled, relief in her voice. "We'll wait for you downstairs."

She could hear Blake smiling too. "See you in a bit."

Cameron and Kylie exchanged surprised looks, hearing how gentle Blake was with Lydia. Blake was always so reserved, the kind of guy who kept his distance. Even Lucinda, who usually got whatever she wanted, had to watch herself around him. But with Lydia, you could tell he was genuinely happy, maybe even a little doting.

Lucinda felt jealousy rise again, her eyes smoldering. Just because Lydia was their real daughter and she wasn't, did Blake have to treat them so differently? Blake had prepared so many gifts for Lydia, but what about her?

After they parked, Blake and the family walked toward the Eiffel Tower. From a distance, they spotted Connor and Lydia waiting outside the restaurant, right at the......... base of the tower. The two of them were deep in conversation, Connor gazing down at Lydia like she was the only person in the world. It

looked so romantic, so sincere.

There they are, Lydia and Connor are waiting for us, Kylie said happily. She

glanced back at Lucinda. Lucinda, come on, keep up.

Kylie just wanted her to stay close,

Vanted

but Lucinda took it the wrong way,

her irritation bubbling up. "Look how excited she gets just to see her real daughter. They all promised things wouldn't I'd always family, but look at what's really happening. It's all a lie."

change!

Grace was right. The Norwood family was totally on Lydia's side now. She had to look out for herself while she still could and lock in her engagement to Mikey as soon as possible. Maybe she couldn't marry Connor, but she refused to let Lydia outshine her.

Blake glanced at Lucinda, noticing her stormy expression and dark eyes. He frowned.

"Lucinda, aren't you hungry? Why are you lagging behind?"