chapter869

"Just wait. Once I get the chance, I'll make sure she's gone for good." Grace's voice was low, almost trembling with determination. The plan was simple. If Lydia disappeared, no one could stop their daughter from becoming the Norwood family's princess. No one could stand in the way of her marrying Connor.

Lucinda's hatred for Lydia burned deep. Hearing Grace say this felt like someone had finally opened a window in a dark room. There was hope.

"Grace, do you really think you can make her go away forever?" Lucinda's voice was barely more than a whisper.

Trust me, Lucinda. It's just a matter of time. Hang in there a little longer," Grace replied, reaching for her hand.

Lucinda nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief. "Okay, Grace. I believe you."

"Good girl. Don't cry, alright? It hurts me to see you upset," Grace said softly, her own eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Lucinda felt it again, that warmth she only ever got from Grace. No one else treated her this well, not even the Norwoods. Grace never acted differently just because Lucinda wasn't really family by blood.

"Thank you, Grace. The place you're living in now is way too small. Why don't you move somewhere bigger and more comfortable? I can give you the money," Lucinda offered.

For her, renting a nicer place was nothing. The first time she saw Grace's tiny apartment, she wanted her to move out right away, but Grace refused every time.

"It's alright, Lucinda. I like it here. It's close to your school, so I can bring you meals easily. If I lived far away, I'd be worried about you," Grace explained with a gentle smile.

That only made Lucinda feel even more grateful. She hesitated for a moment, then asked, Grace, do you think my real mom is still out there somewhere? Is she even alive?"

All Lucinda knew was that her birth mother had left her with Frank right after she was born. She'd never heard a single word from her since.

Something flickered in Grace's eyes. "Of course she's alive. She must miss you a lot, too."

Lucinda let out a bitter laugh. "It doesn't matter. My dad is a jerk. I don't bother hoping for anything from my mom, either."

"Don't say that. I'm sure she loves you. She must have had her reasons for leaving. No mother walks away from her child without a reason," Grace insisted.

Lucinda shook her head. Let's not talk about them anymore. Did you call me this late for something?"

That's when Grace remembered her

real reason for reaching out. She hesitated, then asked, "Lucinda, I've been seeing a lot online about Lorelei and Elliot. Is Lorelei really Lydia?"

Lydia had shocked so many people that even Grace couldn't help but wonder.

At the mention of Lydia, Lucinda's

expression darkened. "Yeah, it's her. She's honestly unbelievable. She grew up in the countryside, b but somehow she picked up all these skills. How does an

eighteen-year-old even have that much going for her?"

Lucinda couldn't deny it anymore. Lydia was just too capable, too mysterious.

Grace clenched her fists. So it really is her?"

Lucinda nodded. "Yes. I have no idea who's backing her, though."

The more she thought about it, the more Lucinda was convinced that someone powerful and mysterious was helping Lydia. How else could a girl her age get so far?

Grace agreed right away. "Exactly. There's definitely someone helping her from the shadows."

Lucinda frowned, thinking aloud.

"You know, I've heard that some rich

old guys have a thing for young girl

What if she's been with one of them since she was a kid?"