chapter780

Blake glanced at Grace, his eyes icy. Grace ducked her head so low it looked like she might hit the floor. His voice was just as cold as his stare. "Who said you could speak?"

Grace never thought things would blow up like this. She definitely didn't expect Lydia to have everything planned out, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Lydia wasn't just ruthless, she was next level. This wasn't just about getting rid of a nanny. Lydia wanted Lucinda out too.

Cameron was still staring at the screenshot that had left Blake speechless. He could barely wrap his head around it. Shock, disbelief, hurt... everything hit him all at

once.

Lucinda's text was simple: [Grace, good job.]

Grace had replied: [Just wait. The real show is coming. Lydia's out here at school, engaged to Connor, but flirting with her instructor. She'll ruin herself soon enough!]

The exchange was short but said way too much. Even though Lucinda only sent a few words, it was clear she knew exactly what Grace was up to. She didn't stop it. She cheered her on. That said everything.

Kylie couldn't believe it either. How could Lucinda do something so cold? The shock in the room slowly turned to disappointment. It felt endless.

Lucinda couldn't see what everyone else was looking at, but she could take a guess. Her gut told her Lydia must have something on her.

She tried to put on her best hurt puppy face. "Dad, Mom... Blake, Elliot, why are you all looking at me like that? You're scaring me."

Usually, that look would work. If she acted scared and sad, they always rushed to comfort her, no matter what she'd done. Surely this time would be the same.

But Cameron's face was tight with disappointment. "Lucinda, did it really bother you so much that your sister came back?"

Lucinda's eyes filled with tears. She looked totally confused. "Dad, what are you talking about? I'm happy she's back. Why would I not be? I really don't get what you mean."

Before, Cameron probably would have believed her. But now, with the texts

everythin front of him and

Grace had done, he

couldn't deny it anymore: Lucinda never accepted Lydia as the Norwood family's real daughter.

Kylie felt lost, They'd given Lucinda all their love. Even after Lydia returned, they never considered sending Lucinda away. They treated her as their own. Why couldn't Lucinda be grateful for that? Why did she have to team up with Grace to drag Lydia's name through the mud online?

"Lucinda, what happened to you? You used to be so sweet, so kind. Now I barely recognize you. Your

sister suffered for eighteen yearmet

We mally brought her home and alk we want is to make things right for her. We never asked you to leave. Why can't you just accept her?"

Kylie's disappointment was impossible to hide.

"No, Dad, Mom, that's not true! I never thought any of that! This is all a misunderstanding. Please, you have to believe me!"

"You still won't admit it?" Cameron's voice was shaking with anger. He felt

lightheaded. Lucinda was the daughter he'd cherished all her life. He never thought

she'd become someone so selfish and ungrateful.

"Dad! I don't even know what I'm supposed to have done wrong. How am I supposed to admit to anything?"

"Look at this yourself." Cameron handed over the phone, barely able to control himself.

When Lucinda saw the chat between her and Grace, it felt like her whole world was crashing down.