chapter743

William's eyes softened as he looked at Lydia. He took a moment, almost as if he

was seeing someone else through her. You really do look just like your mother, he said, giving her a small nod.

For a second, it was as if time rewound, and William could picture Kylie from over twenty years ago. Time moved so fast. In the blink of an eye, decades had slipped away.

Mabel smiled warmly. "It's true, Lydia. You and your mom look so much alike."

William's tone grew gentler. "You're an amazing young woman. Last time, you saved Mabel, and we're grateful. Since today is our first time meeting properly, we got you a little something. I hope you'll like it. He offered her a small ring box.

Lydia tried to refuse, her voice polite. "Thank you, but it really wasn't a big deal. You don't need to go to all this trouble."

Mabel just shook her head, the smile never leaving her face. "Lydia, this is just a small gift from your uncle and me. Please, accept it."

Off to the side, Lucinda watched with a smirk. Judging by the box, at most it was a ring or a gem. The Robinsons weren't much to brag about.

William kept holding out the box, not moving an inch. Lydia finally reached out and took it. "Thank you."

"Go on, open it. I hope it fits," Mabel coaxed.

Lydia nodded and flipped open the box. Inside was a deep green emerald ring, smooth and elegant. It was clearly designed for a girl's hand.

Lucinda rolled her eyes. She'd expected something rare, but it was just an emerald ring. She had plenty of those already.

Kylie, on the other hand, stared in shock. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at William and Mabel. "William, Mabel, this is too valuable... Giving this to Lydia isn't right."

William's voice took on a gravity that made everyone pause. "It was yours to begin with. Why wouldn't it be right?"

Lydia's eyes widened. This belonged to her mother?

Lucinda's jaw dropped. Wait, that was her mom's? Then why did Lydia get it and not her? What was Uncle William trying to say? Did they only care about Lydia?

Lydia felt the weight of the ring. It clearly meant more than it seemed.

Kylie looked at William, her face full of emotion. "Does this mean you're not angry with me anymore?"

William let out a soft snort. "What good does being angry do? You left home over twenty years ago just to marry that man. Now you're the richest woman in town but you donteven come back to see us, Mom and Dad. You're stubborn as ever, you know."

Mabel nearly burst out laughing. William had some nerve calling someone else stubborn. If Lydia hadn't saved her, and if his useless sister-in-law and niece hadn't tried to pull something he'd probably stiff be too proud to visit the Norwood family.

Cameron jumped in, trying to ease the tension. William, tomorrow, Kylie and I will bring the kids to visit Mom and Dad."

William eyed Cameron with the same old disapproval. He still blamed him for all

those lost years. "Mom and Dad haven't accepted you as their son-in-law yet. It's not really your place to show up.

Cameron's face fell.

Mabel shot William a warning look, ready to defend Cameron, but

William spoke again, his tone

softening just a bit. "But since you've treated Kylie well all these years, I'll

go

back and say a few good things

for you."

Cameron breathed out, visibly relieved. Thank you."

William just grunted, then turned to Lydia, his whole demeanor warming. Lydia, I heard about what happened last night. Don't worry about it. Your uncle will take care of everything."

Lydia felt a gentle warmth in her chest. Thank you, but Connor is already handling

it."

William's brows drew together, his eyes narrowing. "Connor... Jefferson?"