chapter531

Cameron smiled at her. "Lydia, you really work too hard. You should let yourself take a break every now and then."

Lucinda followed, keeping her smile gentle. "He's right. You're always so busy and exhausted. You need to eat better and take care of yourself."

Lydia glanced at her. Lucinda just smiled back, all sweetness. Lydia didn't bother to figure out if Lucinda was really turning over a new leaf or just pretending. Time would show the truth.

Thanks, Lydia said, then headed into the villa. Cameron and Kylie hurried after her.

Lucinda's smile faded a little, but she trailed behind them anyway.

Watching from the side, Grace was about to explode with anger. Her daughter was too kind, too na?ve. Did Lucinda really think Lydia would ever treat her with real warmth? And everyone in the Norwood family was always going on about fairness, but obviously playing favorites. Why couldn't Lucinda see any of this?

Inside the living room, Lydia's grandfather greeted her with genuine warmth and

concern.

Lydia nodded, put down her backpack, and took out a few small porcelain bottles she'd made at Connor's over the last couple of days. Each bottle was so beautifully crafted that anyone could tell these weren't ordinary.

She picked up a gourd-shaped bottle and handed it to her grandfather. "I made these to help your heart. Just take one every night before bed."

Lydia's pills were nothing like what you'd find in a pharmacy. She'd mixed rare, precious herbs. Even a single pill could go for millions if someone wanted to auction

it off in secret. The whole bottle was unbelievably valuable.

Mr. Norwood's eyes went soft. "Lydia, thank you for everything."

"My only wish is for you to stay healthy."

He felt even more emotional hearing her say that. He couldn't believe he'd ever hesitated to accept such a wonderful granddaughter. He must have lost his mind back then.

Lydia turned to Kylie next. "Mom, this one is for beauty and vitality. It's great for women."

Kylie looked thrilled, accepting the bottle like it was a precious gem. No woman didn't want to look her best. At her age, every new wrinkle could send her into a panic.

Last, Lydia handed the final bottle to Cameron. "This one's for strength and energy. Same deal one each night. After a month, youth really notice a difference."

Cameron's face lit up with happiness and a touch of guilt. "Lydia, you're already so busy, but you still think of us. You're so good to us."

His girl had suffered on her own for eighteen years. Now she was back, and she handled so much for the

fantily, as if it was nothing. He was proud, but it stung. She was still just eighteen, already carrying so much on her own.

"That's what family does," Lydia said. I'll head upstairs, I've got things to finish. "Alright, sweetheart."

Lydia's cool, confident figure disappeared up the stairs. Lucinda felt awkward, like she was just a shadow. Lydia hadn't really looked at her the whole time.

Kylie caught the tension and gently patted Lucinda's arm. Lucinda, your sister just takes a while to open up. Give her time, you'll get close."

Lucinda took a deep breath, then nodded with a determined smile. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll keep trying."

She was determined to win Lydia's approval.

Up in her room, Lydia had just opened the door when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Iceblade, who'd been off the grid for days. [Action tonight.]

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