chapter950

Lydia pretended not to hear Lucinda.

Kylie and Cameron couldn't hold back their curiosity. Lydia, is Connor's mom really back?"

Lydia finally shook her head. No, she sent the gift through someone else."

Kylie had already opened the gift box. She let out a gasp. "Wait, is this the Hutton emerald necklace?"

Cameron recognized it too and leaned in, eyes wide.

Inside the box were twenty-seven emerald beads, each one perfectly round and impossibly smooth. They looked like they'd been shaped by nature itself, glowing with a deep, mesmerizing green. The color reminded you of a hidden forest pond, mysterious and beautiful, as if every bead carried its own secret story. The jade felt silky and warm, and when the light hit it, it shone with a gentle glow, not too bright but impossible to ignore, like sunshine slipping through morning mist.

"Lydia, I can't believe Connor's mom would give you something so valuable," Cameron said, awe in her voice.

Lucinda took one look and her eyes filled with envy. Why? Why did Lydia get all of this? This should have been hers. She felt the sting of unfairness flare up, hot and sharp.

"It really is gorgeous. She put so much thought into it." Kylie sighed, her voice full of admiration. Lydia, Connor's mom hasn't even met you yet and she's already sending such an expensive gift. Your medical skills are amazing, and honestly, her health isn't great. Maybe, if you get a chance, you could check on her for us?"

Lydia nodded. I already talked to Grandpa Samuel about it.

Kylie smiled and reached over to gently smooth Lydia's long, shiny hair. "You're always so thoughtful. No wonder everyone loves you."

Lucinda watched, her hands curling into fists at her sides. Lydia was unbearable. She was seriously going to lose it!

Trying to keep her cool, Lucinda forced a smile and echoed Kylie's words. "Yeah, my sister is pretty incredible Mr. Moore took her on as personal student when she was just five. No wonder she's so talented."

There was something pointed in Lucinda's tone.

Kylie and Cameron both winced a little, their hearts aching.

Five years old, they thought. When Lucinda was five, she was treated like a little princess, her life all about piano lessons and being spoiled. But Lydia she was already learning medicine from Kevin at that age. That couldn't have been easy.

Lydia, we really failed as parents, Kylie said softly. We didn't even realize you were missing, and you had to work so hard when you were just a little kid."

Cameron nodded in agreement. Lydia always was special. Even Kevin wanted her as his student. You're incredible, Lydia. You've outdone all your brothers.

Lucinda felt her anger rising all over again. That wasn't what she meant at all. What she meant was, how could they not see how weird it was that a little girl became the student of an old man? Didn't they ever wonder if there was something shady going on? For all they knew, Kevin could be some kind of creep, and Lydia might have been hurt by him Otherwise, why would. Kevin pick Lydia, out of all the talented kids in the world? She always did have that seductive look. He must have noticed her even back then.

Of course, Lucinda would never dare say any of this in front of Cameron and Kylie.

She only whispered those thoughts to Grace, when no one else could hear.