chapter654

Still, she had to admit, her own niece didn't have the same eye-catching beauty that Lydia did. No wonder Connor was so into Lydia. Even the toughest guys could fall for a pretty face.

"Aunt Mabel, Nate, it's been a while," Lucinda greeted them with a sweet smile.

Nathaniel gave Lucinda a quick once-over, also silently comparing her to Lydia. "Yeah, it has. Good to see you." In his head, he was thinking, No wonder Connor likes his new girlfriend more. She really is prettier than Lucinda.

Lucinda noticed the way Mabel and Nathaniel were looking at her. Something about their gazes felt off, and it made her uneasy. Did they already know she wasn't really the Norwood family's biological daughter? But her parents had said they hadn't told Aunt Mabel or Nate anything yet.

"Wait, isn't Elliot home these days? Why don't I see him?" Mabel asked, looking around.

Kylie laughed. "He's been swamped. His concert's next month, so he barely has time to breathe. I told him about tonight, though, so he'll come as soon as he has a break."

Mabel nodded. Last time Elliot brought a friend to the movies at the theater, I happened to run into them. My asthma suddenly kicked in, and his friend was incredible. She got me stable in no time. I've been wanting to thank her properly ever since."

Lucinda's hands tightened in her lap. She knew exactly who Mabel meant. It was Lydia again. Why did every good thing seem to land at Lydia's feet?

Her aunt always seemed warm on the surface, but she wasn't the easiest person to get close to. Over the years, Lucinda and Mabel had barely seen each other, maybe a few times a year. She didn't even remember the last time she saw the rest of the Robinsons. Most of the time, she forgot she even had two more grandparents.

Kylie quickly cut in. "Elliot told me about that. Mabel, you really have to be more careful. You're always so busy, but you can't forget your medication. That could've been so dangerous."

Mabel just smiled, a little helpless. "Things have been crazy at work, and honestly, I just forgot. My asthma hadn't acted up in ages, so I let my guard down. Thankfully, I ran into Elliot and his friend when I did."

Mabel said it with a certain tone, never mentioning that Connor had been there too. She wanted to see if the Norwoods already knew Connor had someone else in his life. The second she brought it up Lucindas face changed, and Mabel guessed she already knew.

Kylie hesitated, then turned to Mabel. "Actually, there's something we haven't told you. Since we're all here, we might as well just say it."

Mabel raised her eyebrows. Looked like her guess was right. They probably knew about Connor's other woman and just didn't know what to do about it.

Nathaniel assumed Kylie was going to talk about Connor's relationship, especially since Lucinda looked so tense.

"Is this about Lucinda?" he asked.

Kylie blinked in surprise. "Nate, how did you know?"

dent

Nathaniel felt even more sure of himself. "Come on, there's no such thing as a secret that stays forever. I'd have to be blind not to noticesConnors no exactly subtle He brings her around all the time, like he wants everyone to see."

Kylie's eyes widened. Wait, you..."

Cameron looked shocked too. "Nate, you've actually seen Lydia and Connor together?"

Nathaniel's face froze for a second. Lydia? Were his aunt and uncle really this chill

about it? He had to admit, Lydia was impressive.

"Uh, Cameron, Kylie, since you both

know, don't you want to say

little

anything? Mabel asked still a littl baffled by how everyone seemed to be thinking something different.