chapter791

Lydia tried not to laugh. Her grandfather really did have a sharp sense of humor sometimes.

Nathaniel blinked in confusion. Had he just been attacked just by standing there? Would lying down help him avoid trouble next time? Maybe that was worth a try.

"Dad, Nate is honestly a great guy. You're just too picky," Kylie said, coming to Nathaniel's rescue.

Nathaniel immediately pretended to wipe away a tear, then turned to Kylie with a dramatic sigh. "Aunt Kylie, you're the only one who understands me. I love you so much."

Mr. Robinson just grunted, not bothering to reply. He waved Blake and Elliot over instead.

He'd actually been keeping a close eye on all the Norwood kids for a while. Every single one of them was impressive, and he couldn't help but feel proud.

After looking around, Mr. Robinson turned to Kylie. "Why didn't you bring Lucinda today?"

He'd never met Lucinda himself, but Mrs. Robinson had told him about her. Apparently, she was a bright, sensible kid. He just hadn't realized she wasn't related by blood.

"She's a little shy today. We'll bring her next time," Kylie explained, giving the same reason she'd given before.

Mr. Robinson nodded slowly. He figured Kylie and Cameron probably worried that he and Mrs. Robinson would care that Lucinda wasn't a biological granddaughter, and that's why they hadn't brought her. He softened his tone. "You've decided to have her stay in the Norwood family, and of course, we'll treat her as one of our own."

"I know, Dad."

Kylie had just finished speaking when Ford, the butler, rushed in from the hallway. "Sir, Madam, Mr. Gibson is here."

The whole room seemed to freeze.

The smile on Mabel's face vanished. He actually has the nerve to come here?

Benjamin had called her again last night, but she ignored him. She hadn't expected he'd show up at their door.

Mr. Robinson let out a cold snort. "After what they did to Lydia, he still dares to come here?"

Mabel turned to everyone else. "I'll go see what he wants."

She made it clear she had no intention of letting Benjamin into the main room.

William stood up right away. "I'll come with you."

Benjamin looked older and more

worn out than she remembered. The last few days had clearly taken a toll on him. He looked like he hadn't

eaten or slept and was weighed down with worry.

Jackson had washed his hands of the whole mess, and Benjamin didn't have the power to get Mandy and Rosie out by himself.

As soon as he saw Mabel, Benjamin managed a smile and hurried over, holding out

a gift. Mabel, I remembered how much you love this brand of candy. I picked out the best for you."

Mabel frowned. "Thanks, but I have more than I can eat at home. You should take it back and save it for your wife and Rosie when they get out."

Benjamin's eyes lit up, hope flickering across his face. Mabel, does that mean you'll help me?"

"I didn't say that. They'll get out sooner or later. When they do, they can have it then."

Benjamin was so anxious it looked like he might go gray on the spot "Mabel the Jeffersons have them locked up tight I've done everything

Please just help me this once. We're family, aren't we?"

"Family? That's not what you said before."

Suddenly, William's voice cut through the tension. His tone was calm, but cold.

Benjamin looked even more

desperate when he saw William. "William, we didn't know better before. We said some things we didn't mean. Mabel is always my little sister The Gibson family home is always open to you both.

"After Mabel's parents died, the Gibson family and the Robinson family have had nothing to do with each other," William replied, not giving an inch.

William, Mabel, are you really going to just stand by and do nothing?" Benjamin couldn't believe it. He'd thought if he showed up and apologized, Mabel would forgive him.

"You brought this on yourselves by messing with Lydia. Why should we clean up your mess?"