chapter53

Jenson's hand stiffened midair, the bills crumpled in his grip. He forced a smile, then pulled out another stack. Five thousand should last you a couple of months, right? Seriously, that's all I've got."

Chris, who'd been watching the whole scene play out, finally caught onto what the Smiths were doing. He blinked, not sure he was hearing them right.

"So, what, you're worried she'll try to take advantage of you? You think you can get rid of her with five thousand bucks?"

His words landed heavy, making the room go tense. Jenson coughed, still holding out the cash, trying to keep things light. "Hey, come on, young man, that's not what this is. I just wanted to help her out a little, financially."

"I don't need it," Lydia replied, her voice ice cold.

If it weren't for her grandmother, she might have put these people in the hospital already.

Lydia, I'm warning you, don't push your luck. It's five thousand. Take it or leave it. Miss this chance, and you won't get a single dime from us, ever, Milana snapped, her patience wearing thin.

She clearly thought Lydia was just angling for a bigger payout.

Sandy piped up, acting like she knew it all. "Yeah, Lydia, Dean's super busy. He doesn't have time to deal with the Norwood family's mess. You really shouldn't bother him anymore. If you keep asking him for favors, Mom and Dad will have to pay the price."

Chris rolled his eyes. "Look, lady, you've got it all wrong. She's here with me. Whoever this Dean is, he's got nothing to do with it." He couldn't believe how clueless these people were. Whole family needed their heads checked.

Lydia didn't bother wasting another word on them. She turned on her heel, calling to Chris as she walked out, "Let's go."

Chris gave the Smiths a crooked smile. "You all seriously need help. Maybe get yourselves checked out at a hospital.

He followed Lydia out, not waiting for a response.

By the time the three realized they'd just been insulted, Lydia and Chris were already gone.

Milana was fuming. She glared after them and yelled, "Little brat! How dare he say we have problems? He's the messed-up one, falling for that moody little witch!"

She had never liked Lydia. Not once. If she did, there's no way she'd have dumped her with her mother-in-law and ignored her for eighteen years.

"Mom, I think Lydia only does all this for the Norwood family. She probably has no choice but to... you know, sell herself. Otherwise, how else would they survive with that many people?" Sandy said, pretending to be sympathetic, but deep down she was furious that Lydia had managed to catch the eye of such a rich, good-looking guy.

Milana snorted. "Sandy, the Norwoods are a lost cause. Sick, unemployed, and there are four single boys who just loiter around. That family's a money pit. Next time you see Lydia, stay far away from her. Don't let her drag down your reputation here in the Capital."

"I know, Mom."

Outside the hospital, Lydia hopped on her motorcycle, ready to leave. Chris ran up behind her.

"Lydia, wait up!"

She turned, her eyes cool and unreadable. "What is it?"

Hey, um, are you free tonight? I was thinking about getting some friends together for a race. You in?"

Chris was dying to see just how good Lydia really was on a bike, and he wanted his friends to see it too.