chapter496

Lucinda had been smiling just a second ago, but now her face froze. She stared at Blake, completely confused. "Blake, Grace has watched me grow up. You know how much she means to me. Why would you even think about replacing her?"

For Lucinda, Grace wasn't just a housekeeper. She was like family, always there, caring and looking out for her. Sometimes, it felt like Grace loved her even more than her own parents did. How could she ever let go of someone who had treated her so well?

Blake frowned. "She has too much influence over you."

He'd noticed it for a while. Lucinda's recent changes seemed tied to Grace. Whenever Lucinda made mistakes, Grace didn't stop her or point them out. Instead, she encouraged her, always stirring things up. With Grace around, it was only a matter of time before trouble found them.

"She's always been good to me!" Lucinda blurted out.

Under Blake's meaningful stare, Lucinda started to feel uneasy. "Is this about how I've been acting lately? Do you think Grace is behind it? Is that why you want her gone?"

"Isn't she?" Blake shot back.

No! She's cared for me all these years, looked after me in every way. I'm so grateful to her. If you really want to fire her, you might as well throw me out of the Norwood family too!"

Lucinda's words hung in the air. If Blake insisted on getting rid of Grace now, it would feel just like asking Lucinda to leave the family herself.

Blake sighed. She can stay, but from now on, you need to check in with yourself before you do anything. Ask yourself if it's right. Don't let her talk you into things or twist your thoughts."

Lucinda let out a huge sigh of relief and nodded. "Don't worry, Blake. I promise I'll get along with my sister."

Blake's tone softened. "Lucinda, I said all this because I want you to understand. You're still part of this family. Lydia is family, too. Stop thinking of her as your rival."

Lucinda went quiet for a moment, then nodded, serious and sincere. "I understand, Blake."

Good. You must be tired. Get some rest. We'll all have dinner together tonight, and tomorrow we'll head home."

"Okay. Sounds good."

Once he'd said what he needed to say, Blake stood up and walked out.

In the hallway, Grace was leaning against the door, trying to listen in.

Blake's talk about firing her earlier

had completely rattled her. She

couldnt leave the Norwood

She couldn't leave Lucinda. She hadn't managed to get Lucinda married Mikey yet, and she wasn't going anywhere until she did.

She pressed her ear a little closer, hoping to catch a few words from inside the room, when suddenly the door swung open. She jumped back, startled.

"M-Mr. Blake." She stumbled over her words, taking a quick step away, her face full of guilt.

In reality, she hadn't heard much at all. The hotel walls were thick, and the sound barely carried.

Blake's eyes narrowed as he looked at her, his voice cold. "I'll have you stay for Lucinda's sake. But if you ever stir up drama between Lucinda and Lydia again, or push her to do the wrong thing, you will leave the Norwood family. Immediately." C ntent

Grace felt her heart leap into her throat. She nodded quickly. "Yes, Mr. Blake, I understand."

Blake gave her one last icy look before striding off.

Grace watched him disappear down the hallway, her heart finally slowing down after pounding so hard. Clearly, her standing up for Lucinda today had made them unhappy with her. Now they wanted her out, leave Lucinda alone and vulnerable. How cruel could they be?

She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and slipped into the room, closing the door behind her.

Lucinda was sitting quietly on the little sofa, lost in her thoughts. As soon as Grace came in, Lucinda looked up and spoke.

"Grace, I'm really okay. And Blake just told me he ordered my favorite piano as a gift for winning the championship."