chapter853

"Garrett, when did you get back?

Garrett smiled, his eyes lighting up. "Just this afternoon. I was planning to pick you up at school, but Mom and Dad told me someone else had that covered, so I skipped it."

He couldn't help but throw a pointed look at Connor.

Connor didn't miss a beat. Garrett, you could've given us a heads-up. I could've picked you up at the airport."

Garrett blinked, surprised. Since when did Connor get so smooth with his words? He honestly didn't see that coming.

"No need to trouble yourself. I found out I was coming back only at the last minute. Lydia remembered the whole border virus situation and turned to Garrett. "Garrett, is there a special reason you came back so suddenly?"

Garrett let out a thoughtful sound. I haven't been told everything yet, but it's supposed to be a major research project. I checked the list. It's all professors and senior experts."

Lydia hesitated. Was the institute really bringing Garrett in on the virus research? "Oh, and Lydia, I brought you a present. It's already in your room."

Lydia felt her heart warm. "Thank you."

Kylie and Cameron glanced at the new stash of gifts Connor had brought and immediately started in. "Connor, next time, please don't bring any more gifts. We've got everything we need. You always go overboard."

Garrett made a show of scoffing. "You think a few gifts will trick Lydia into marrying you?"

Connor just laughed. "Don't worry. My feelings for Lydia are real. There's nothing fake about it."

Blake nodded in agreement. "Time always tells the truth. Being good to Lydia now doesn't mean much We'l be watching to see how you treat her in the future."

Connor met his gaze, his tone steady. "I'll show you."

A little while later, Lucinda came in with Caspian.

The house staff hurried to help carry in all the gifts. Soon there was a mountain of packages in the hallway, maybe even a bit taller than

the pile Connor had brought Seeing that Lucinda looked instantly more confident.

"Grandpa, Mom, Dad, Blake, Garrett, Elliot, this is Caspian. He picked out these gifts for all of you."

The whole family sized Caspian up quietly. He looked a bit nervous but was undeniably good-looking and polite. Honestly, he seemed like a decent match for Lucinda.

"Grandpa, Mr. and Mrs. Norwood, Blake, Garrett, Elliot, hello" Caspian said, greeting everyone in a careful tone.

Kylie broke the tension with a warm smile. "Caspian, welcome. Make yourself at home. There's no need to be so formal. Come, have a seat."

Blake suddenly interjected, Lucinda, aren't you forgetting to introduce Lydia and Connor?"

Lucinda froze for a second.

Caspian looked uncomfortable too. He was already feeling bitter toward Lydia and Connor. Before coming, he'd learned that Lydia, AKA Melody Mastro was the Norwood family's adopted daughter. Lucinda had told him Lydia was way too good at winning people over, and now the whole family treated her better than their real daughter She even said that the family insisted Lydia wasn't just adopted, and that they planned to make it official, bringing her into

the family for good.

Caspian just couldn't get over it. Was it really fair to Lucinda that Lydia, just because she saved them, got to do whatever she wanted here?

Caspian spoke up. "Blake, I know these two-Lydia and Mr. Jefferson. It's been a while."

Connor lifted an eyebrow, playful. "We literally saw you last week.

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