chapter788

Lucinda could barely hide the contempt in her voice whenever she mentioned Lydia. She didn't even bother to keep it subtle, basically calling Lydia a clueless hick.

Paige had to admit, she kind of agreed. Lydia grew up in Lakeview Town, barely scraping by. Then, out of nowhere, she gets adopted by the richest family in the country. Of course the sudden change would go to her head. Lydia probably believed she was a real heiress now.

[Lucinda, I'm just saying, your family is way too soft on her. She's always picking fights with you. Are you really going to let her walk all over you? Want me to find someone to put her in her place?]

Lucinda texted back right away. [Paige, my parents and brothers are still obsessed with her right now. I'm not trying to stir up drama. Let's just wait it out. Sooner or later, they'll see what she's really like, and when that happens, there's no way they'll let her stay in the Norwood family.]

Paige sent a quick "oh" before asking, [And what about Connor? Is she still hanging around him? Connor's out of line. How can he treat you like this?]

The memory hit Paige out of the blue a photo that had made the rounds at Capital Med School, showing Lydia kissing someone. No wonder the guy's profile looked familiar at the time. It was Connor. So Lydia even managed to steal Connor's attention. She definitely knew what she was doing.

Lucinda replied, [Connor's just caught up in the moment. I trust him. He'll come back to me. I'm his fianc e]

Paige thought that made sense. Lucinda was Connor's fianc e. No matter how much Lydia tried to stir things up, she was just the side chick.

[You are so generous. Sending hugs.]

Lucinda hesitated, then added, [This is so humiliating. That's why I never told you she's the adopted daughter in our family.]

Paige understood right away. [I get where you're coming from. Someone like her really does drag the Norwood family's name through the mud. Don't worry, Lucinda,

I won't tell a soul.]

[Thank you, Paige.]

At 9:30 that morning, Lydia arrived at the Robinsons' house with her family.

Their place was tucked away in the busiest part of the Capital, but once you stepped through the gates, everything felt

calm and penet

The neighborhood was full of houses that looked old but were lovingly cared for, their history

almost humming in the air.

Lydia paused at the big red door, where the brass knocker glowed softly, aged by time and weather. When she knocked, it sounded like she was waking up the past.

Not long after, the door creaked

open and the butler, Ford, peeked out. His eyes shining with emotion as he recognized them Mrs. Norwood, Mr. Norwood youre finally home. Your parents have been waiting for you. Please, come in.

"}

Kylie had grown up here, and Ford had always been around, practically part of the family.

"Ford, it's been ages. How have you been?"

Ford's smile was wide and genuine. "I'm well, really well. Come, let me take you inside."

The courtyard was paved with

winding blue stones, with little tufts of grass poking through the cracks The main house stood tall and elegant, every wooden beam and carved detail showing off its quiet luxury. Intricate flowers and mythical beasts were carved into the woodwork, each one telling a story. The creatures perched on the roof looked almost alive in the sunlight, keeping watch over the house.

An old tree spread its branches, casting cool shade across a stone table and stools underneath. It looked like the perfect place to sit for tea or a quiet game of chess.

Green vines climbed along the walls, blending beautifully with the old architecture. A soft breeze carried the scent of flowers and the warm, comforting smell of aged wood.

Everything here felt so familiar to Kylie, so full of memories that she almost wanted to cry.

Mr. and Mrs. Robinson had always loved living here, even after William and Mabel moved out years ago to their own villa. Young people needed space, after all.