chapter748

Lucinda stared at the floor, twisting her fingers together. She looked like she'd just been through the worst kind of heartbreak.

"But now that my sister's back, do you think they'll still like me?"

"Of course they will."

Kylie smoothed Lucinda's hair, her eyes gentle and full of love. "Lucinda, you've always been our precious girl. It doesn't matter if you're our biological daughter or not. We love you, always."

Cameron chimed in, sounding a little guilty. "She's right, Lucinda. No matter what happens, you'll always be the center of our world."

Lucinda's eyes filled with tears. She threw herself into Kylie's arms, her voice trembling. "Mom, really? You're not disappointed in me?"

"Silly child, we love you so much. Why would we ever be disappointed in you?" Lucinda hugged her tighter. "I promise, Mom, I'll always be good to you and Dad." "All we want is for you to be happy, sweetheart." Kylie patted her gently on the back. Lucinda nodded hard, but behind her lowered lashes, there was a cold, mocking glint.

They loved to say she was their own daughter, but the way they treated her and Lydia was never the same.

As soon as Cameron and Kylie finished comforting her, they hurried out the door, chatting about what gifts to buy for their visit to the Robinsons the next day.

Lucinda's mood crashed even lower. Walking upstairs, she caught the maids whispering excitedly in the hallway.

"I can't believe Mrs. Norwood and the Robinsons finally made up. This is really great."

"Yeah, she always looked so sad during the holidays. Now she can finally visit her family again."

If Lydia hadn't saved Mrs. Robinson, Mr. Robinson would never have swallowed his pride and reached out."

"I know, right? Lydia is just amazing!"

Mr. Norwood was off in the garden with his beloved plants, nowhere in sight.

Lucinda finally dropped the act. She stormed over and snapped, "You're paid good money to work here, not stand around gossiping!"

Her voice sliced through their chatter. The maids froze, then quickly scattered,

suddenly busy with their chores, not daring to meet her eyes.

"What's wrong? Weren't you all just talking away a second ago?"

Grace, watching from the side, felt a wave of satisfaction.

Ever since Lydia came back, these maids had been getting bolder. It was about time someone reminded them who was in charge.

"You're absolutely right, Miss Lucinda. These maids need to be put in their place, Grace agreed.

ve

Tina, who Kylie had recently promoted to the same level as Grace, stood quietly. Technically, there was no hierarchy, but since Tina now cared for Lydia, the Norwoods' real daughter most of the staff had started siding with her. It drove Grace crazy and made Lucinda furious.

"Tina, I'm thirsty. Bring me some water. Make sure it's hot. I only drink it hot."

Lucinda's tone was sharp, her face clouded with irritation.

Tina nodded quickly. "Yes, Miss Lucinda. She hurried off, but couldn't shake the uneasy feeling. Why would Lucinda want hotwater on a day like this? Content,

A moment later, Tina returned with a glass of water and handed it over politely. "Here you are, Miss Lucinda."

Lucinda looked down. There wasn't

even a hint of steam. Her face

n

darkened. "Ting are you losing your

ingare

hearing? Tsaid I wanted hot water

Boiling hot."