chapter777

William barely spared Lucinda a glance all day, so it made sense she'd feel upset. The room went quiet, awkward tension hanging in the air.

Grace jumped in right away. "Mr. Norwood, Mrs. Norwood, Lucinda was just feeling a little hurt. She lost her temper for a second and snapped at a servant. It's not the end of the world."

Blake shot her a cold look. "Who said you could speak?"

Grace clamped her mouth shut, but she was fuming inside. The Norwoods were way too much sometimes. They treated Lucinda unfairly, and no one was even allowed to point it out.

Kylie turned to Lucinda, her disappointment clear. "Lucinda, William came by for the first time today, but he was in a rush. He barely spoke to you, or to me, or to your dad. I told you we'd take you to meet the Robinsons tomorrow and introduce you properly. You agreed, remember?" She still couldn't believe how Lucinda had acted. They'd just talked things through outside, but then Lucinda took it out on the staff. Was this really the daughter she knew?

Lucinda's eyes filled with tears. "Dad, Mom, it's my fault. I was being selfish. Punish me however you want. I'll accept it.

Seeing her like that, Cameron and Kylie's anger started to melt away.

Mr. Norwood stepped in at just the right moment. "The matter's settled. Let's leave it. I'm tired."

He'd poured so much effort into Lucinda, hoping she'd grow into her best self. Now, it seemed he'd been hoping for too much. She still couldn't get over Lydia's return, still refused to see things as they were. But he didn't have the energy to say more. Lucinda's heart lifted. Grandpa, does that mean you've forgiven Grace and me? Mr. Norwood stood up, his face stern and serious. Lucinda, you're still a Norwood. You admitted your mistake, and as family, of course we'll forgive you."

Lucinda was over the moon. She knew her grandpa still cared about her.

Grace was so excited she practically dropped to her knees. "Thank you, sir. Thank you so much."

But Mr. Norwood's tone turned ice-cold. "Did I say I forgave you?"

The smile vanished from Lucinda's face. Grace froze.

Mr. Norwood fixed Grace with a steely glare. "Blake was right. There's no place for you here anymore. Take your last paycheck and go."

No, please, sir. I've worked so hard for this family. You can't just send me away." Grace's voice was desperate.

But Mr. Norwood didn't even look back as he walked out.

With nowhere else to turn, Grace pleaded with Kylie and Cameron "Please Mr. and Mrs. Nerwood!

this.

love this job. Dont fire me promise I'll do better. It'll never happen again."

They didn't answer. It was clear they agreed with Blake's decision.

Grace's tears spilled over as she turned to Blake. "Blake, please. Don't let them fire me. I swear I'll change. I'll work hard need this job can't ) ", lose it!"

Lucinda stepped forward, her anger flaring. Dad, Mom, Blake, Grace didn't do

anything unforgivable. Why are you making her leave?"

Suddenly, Lydia slid her laptop in

front of Kylie and the others, a sly smile on her lips. "Remember howd kept getting trashed online at schoot? I did a little digging. Turns out one of the IP addresses came from our own house."