chapter1204

Kylie's eyes shimmered with disappointment. "The truth is right in front of you. Why can't you just admit it?"

Cameron watched Lucinda, his voice tight with hurt. "Lucinda, you've let us down. If you don't want to stay with the Norwood family, then just leave. No one's stopping you."

Lucinda saw this coming. Of course they'd use any excuse to push her out again. All those promises about treating her like their real daughter were just empty words, nothing more.

She wiped her eyes and met their gaze, her expression hard. "If I were really your daughter, would you send me away this easily?"

She was tired of pretending. Tired of chasing after affection that was never truly hers.

Kylie's lips trembled. "Lucinda, we never wanted you to leave. But you can't accept Lydia. She's our biological daughter. We lost her for eighteen years and finally found her. We just want to make up for lost time. Is that so wrong?"

The disappointment in her voice was unmistakable. Didn't Lucinda realize none of this was supposed to be hers anyway? When Lydia came home, they'd explained everything to Lucinda, told her she could stay, that they'd always care for her. Lydia agreed on the spot.

But Lucinda only got jealous, trying to ruin Lydia's life. If she couldn't live with Lydia, then maybe she needed to find her own path. Did she really expect them to kick Lydia out instead?

Tears streamed down Lucinda's cheeks. "You love her. She hates me, so now you hate me too. She wants me gone, and you're just going along with it."

Just then, Mr. Norwood came out of his room, leaning on his cane. He'd been recovering lately and was finally strong enough to walk again.

"What nonsense is this? Who said Lucinda should leave? She's part of this family. Even if she messes up, it's not your job to throw her out."

In the past, whenever Mr. Norwood stepped in to protect Lucinda, Kylie and Cameron could understand it he was just looking out for her.

After all, he'd practically raised Lucinda himself, and he'd spoiled her rotten.

But now he was obviously a clone, and yet he was still playing the part so convincingly?

It was beyond absurd. Cameron and Kylie were completely fed up.

Even so, neither of them could let it show.

"Dad, we're not trying to kick her out," Kylie said. She just won't behave and keep stirring up trouble."

Mr. Norwood slammed his cane against the floor.

He glared at Kylie and Cameron, his voice deep and steady. "She's still young. Kids make mistakes. Why are you being so harsh with her? I'm still alive, and you're already trying to hurt Lucinda. She's called me Grandpa for more than ten years. To me, she'll always be my granddaughter."

Lucinda broke down, sobbing with relief. Grandpa..."

When everyone else had turned their backs, her grandfather was still there for her.

Kylie's frustration was written all

over her face. "Dad, you know what Lucinda has done to Lydia. We gave her so many chances, but she won't change."

Mr. Norwood's cane struck the floor with a heavy thud. "That's because you never treated them the same. Just because Lydia is your biological daughter, you think Lucinda should be thrown away?"

His whole body shook with anger. When you brought Lydia home, you promised Lucinda would always be part of this family."