chapter784

Lucinda's whole body went stiff, like the world had suddenly gone pitch black. So this was what everyone truly thought. She was supposed to leave with Grace and just let Lydia take her place, soaking up all the Norwood family's love. Just like before. Why should she accept that? She refused!

Lydia had ruined everything for her. There was no way she was letting Lydia get everything she'd lost. Now it made sense why Grace agreed to leave. If Lucinda stayed, maybe there was still hope. But if she got kicked out too, she'd have nothing left.

Grace left. Lucinda got told to stay home and think about her actions. After all, she'd been the Norwood family's precious daughter for eighteen years. They weren't going to throw her out over one mistake. Even though Grandpa was clearly disappointed, his choice was obvious. Lucinda would stay. Grace would go. Lucinda got one more shot to make things right.

Still, Kylie and Cameron made it clear. Lucinda needed to stay home tomorrow and reflect, no family visits to the Robinsons. They were both really disappointed in her this time. First, she'd been upset with her uncle. Then she got jealous of her sister. She took out her anger on the staff, and even let Grace bully them. One thing after another, each one making her seem more like a stranger. Suddenly, they wondered if the Lucinda they thought they knew was just a mask.

Back in her room, surrounded by all that luxury, Lucinda felt like she was living someone else's life. Everything looked the same but nothing felt right anymore. She remembered how, when she was upset before, Grandpa and her parents would comfort her. Her brothers would bring gifts and try to make her smile. Grace would always talk her through it. The staff would do anything to please her. Now... nothing. No one was there for her. She was completely alone.

Meanwhile, late at night, Grace finally found a place to stay. For years, she'd eaten, slept, and lived in the Norwood house, always by Lucinda's side. She'd gotten used to the good life, fancy food, and traveling wherever Lucinda went. Now, walking the streets with her suitcase, she felt lost, like she didn't belong anywhere.

Lydia. It was all Lydia's fault!

Grace dropped her suitcase on the floor and pulled out her phone. She texted Lucinda. [Lucinda, I found a tiny apartment near Capital College. When school starts, I can bring you your favorite food every day. Don't worry. Even if I'm not in the Norwood family anymore, I'll still be there for you.]

Lucinda saw the message through swollen, tired eyes. She'd been crying so much she could barely sleep. Now, reading Grace's words, the tears just kept coming.

[Grace, thank you. Please take care of yourself too.]

Grace stared at Lucinda's reply, wishing she could tell her everything. Tell her about her real identity, that she was every bit as important as Lydia But she couldn't. Not yet. She needed Night Eagle's permission first. And now that things had gone so wrong, how was she supposed to explain herself?

After a long moment, Grace grabbed a second phone, powered it on, and nervously dialed a number she'd never forget.

Ring...

Ring...

With each ring, her heart beat faster. No matter how long she'd been with Night Eagle, just talking to him always made her anxious.

After the third ring, right when she

was about to hang up someone et

picked up Night Eagle's voice was deep and gravelly, like something from a nightmare.

"What is it?"

Grace's voice shook as she spoke. "Chief, Lydia suddenly came back to the Norwood family, and our daughter is being ignored. They're all turning against her They even want

to have her marry another man. What should we do?