chapter776

Blake's question struck right at Lucinda's weakest spot. Her heart squeezed tight and she denied it without thinking. Blake, I'm not mad at Lydia!

She knew all too well that if anyone found out how she really felt about Lydia, she'd be the one sent away, not Lydia.

Blake's voice stayed calm. "So are you angry with Tina? If she broke a rule, you could've just punished her according to the rules. Why did you do something so extreme?"

Tina's injuries were serious. If she went to the police, Lucinda would be in real trouble.

I... I... Lucinda stammered, suddenly at a loss for words.

Grace tried to step in. Lucinda's just exhausted from training. She

He cut her off with a cold look. "Did I ask you? Or does a nanny get to speak for Lucinda now?" His eyes landed on Grace, sharp and icy.

Grace immediately lowered her head. I'm sorry, I don't mean to overstep. I just worry about Lucinda. She's really-"

"You worry about her? So you lead her down the wrong path? You use your title as her nanny to bully the other staff, to mess around in this house?"

That's not true. I just want to take care of her," Grace pleaded.

From this moment, you're fired." Blake's voice was flat and cold.

Grace stared at him, her world crashing down. For Lucinda, it was another blow when she was already down.

Grace was the only one who ever put her first. No matter what, she always stood by Lucinda, always cared about her feelings.

If Grace left, Lucinda couldn't imagine how she'd survive in the Norwood family.

"No!" Lucinda shouted.

"No!" Grace's voice joined hers.

The others all frowned, unsettled by

the scene Kylie, Cameron, and Mr. Norwood exchanged worried glances. They hadn't realizedj st how much Lucinda depended on Grace.

But after what happened, it was clear. Grace's presence did influence Lucinda, and not in a good way.

Blake, Grace has been with me since I was a child. Why do you have to fire her? Lucinda cried out, her voice cracking. She was falling apart.

She'd already lost so much. Why couldn't they let her keep the one person who truly cared about her? If Grace left now, would Lucinda be next?

Blake's expression softened for a split second as he looked at her tear-stained face. "She's not good for you. Keeping her around will only hurt you.

"She's nothing like what you say! She's good to me!" Lucinda wanted to say Grace actually treated her better than everyone. But she didn't have the courage. She couldn't afford to leave the Norwood family.

Lucinda, I can't let her stay this time. I gave her a chance before," Blake said, his tone final.

"Why? I'm upset with Tina. I hurt her. This has nothing to do with Grace. Why are you so set on getting rid of her?"

"From what I know, Tina's always been loyal and hardworking. Why did you pick on her?" Blake pressed.

Lucinda felt like she was about to lose her mind.

"Because of Uncle William!" she suddenly blurted out, holding back tears.

Kylie stared at her in confusion. Lucinda, your uncle only visited for the first time today. How is this about him?"

Lucinda's eyes grew even redder, her

voice trembling with frustration.

"Because he only cared abo

my

sister, not me. It hurt So when

heard them talking about him, I got

upset and wanted to lash out."

At this point, Lucinda could only shift the blame to wherever it would hurt her the

least.