chapter573

Without the Norwood family name, Lucinda felt like a moon with no light of her own, dull and almost invisible.

She couldn't stop turning things over in her mind. Was she really supposed to just keep going like this? Was any of it even worth it? Would her efforts ever pay off the way she hoped? The uncertainty left her feeling completely lost.

"Grace, I'm all over the place right now. What am I supposed to do?" Lucinda looked at Grace, her eyes full of worry.

Grace stepped closer and gently brushed Lucinda's hair back, her own heart aching with empathy. "Lucinda, you're the most talented person I know. Just listen to your heart, okay? Don't push yourself too hard. Remember, you're amazing at music, art, literature, everything. You're just as good as Lydia. Don't ever think otherwise."

"Do you really think so?"

"Absolutely."

Lucinda fell quiet, thinking it over.

Then Grace asked, her voice soft but serious, "Lucinda, are you really going to keep trying to win Lydia over from now on?"

The word "win over" made Lucinda's heart sink. Was that what it had come to? Was she only able to survive in this house by trying to please Lydia? The thought left her more conflicted than ever.

Meanwhile, Lydia didn't get back to the Norwood house until almost eleven.

Cameron and Kylie were waiting for her. As soon as Lydia walked in, they handed her a painting.

"Lydia, this is for you."

Lydia felt a wave of warmth. "Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom."

Kylie smiled. It's not often we see you really like something. Lydia, do you know how to paint?"

She was already pretty sure her daughter was talented, but she wanted to hear it from her.

Lydia smiled, holding back a laugh. I know a little."

If she'd said that before, her parents probably would have believed her. But now, they knew that when Lydia said she knew "a little," it probably meant she was some kind of genius.

Kylie's eyes sparkled. "Everyone at the banquet tonight was singing your praises. You have no idea how proud you make us. If you weren't set on keeping things private, I'd tell the whole world you're our daughter.

Lydia gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll be ready when I'm ready. Either way, I'm still your daughter, whether you announce it or not."

Cameron laughed, the sound filling the room. "You are right. But, Lydia, we heard the Smiths and the Lanes tried to mess with you tonight at the banquet. Is that true?"

His voice turned icy, concern mixing with anger.

Lydia shrugged. "Don't worry about them. They can try, but honestly, they will never get to me."

Kylie huffed, turning to Cameron. "Tell your friends not to work with Lane Enterprises or Smith Corporation anymore. If anyone tries to mess with our daughter, they'll have to deal with the fallout."

Cameron nodded. Got it. I'll make those calls first thing in the morning."

Lydia added, "The Lane family embarrassed themselves so badly tonight. Even if we don't do anything, a lot of their business partners will cut ties with them."

Basically, the Lane family was done for.

Lydia was right. Over at the hospital, Clark and Vivia were still sitting by

Soren's bed when Clark's phone started buzzing nonstop. One caff after

21 from business

partners canceling contracts. It was a disaster.

Vivia was so furious she looked like she might faint. She lashed out, blaming everything on Lydia. "Our mother must have been out of her mind when she agreed to that engagement with the Smiths! If it

weren't for that jinx Lydia, would our family be in this mess?"

Clark let out a heavy sigh. "It's Soren's own fault for picking a fight with her at the banquet. If he'd just left her alone, none of this would have happened."

Clark felt nothing but regret.

Vivia was speechless for a moment, then turned her anger on the Smiths. "The Smiths got there before we did. They knew Lydia was under the Davis family's protection. Why didn't they say anything? They just det us walk right into trouble. Their company's about to go under, and now they want to drag us down with them. Unbelievable."