chapter1295

The Azure Alliance wasn't the kind of group you could just hire on a whim. But those guys had treated Connor with so much respect, you'd think he was royalty.

Lydia wasn't clueless. She could see what was going on. How could she not figure it out?

Connor squeezed her hand, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted to tell you... when the time was right. Lydia, I'm not...

She cut him off, her tone gentle. "You don't have to explain. Everyone has secrets.

Lydia had her own share of things she hadn't told Connor, so why would she hold this against him? It's not like he'd done anything to hurt her. He just hadn't mentioned he was leading Azure Alliance, that was all.

"Lydia..."

Connor had so much he wanted to say, but none of it seemed to come out right. Meeting Lydia was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

"Even with your mercenary connections, you still need to be careful. Blood Oath's assassins aren't just talk. This trip could get dangerous.

"I know." Connor nodded. Lydia was worried about him, but honestly, he was just as worried about her.

The Norwood family's situation was complicated. Lucinda was always scheming, and then there was the clone, which was an accident waiting to happen. It wasn't that Connor didn't trust Cameron and Kylie. He just knew how unpredictable life could be.

"Lydia, why don't you come stay at my place for a while? If you want Tina's help, she can come too."

At least at his place, he knew everyone around her was safe.

Lydia laughed softly. "I'll be fine, really. If it gets really tough here, I'll come over."

With Kylie and Cameron at home, she wasn't worried. She couldn't see, but it didn't mean she was helpless.

Connor thought for a moment. "Then how about I ask Juna to stay with you for a bit?"

Juna understood Lydia better than anyone. Having her around would definitely help. Lydia nodded. Okay. I'll ask her to come over."

Connor's mission was a big one. He had to track down Iceblade at Blood Oath, and Garrett was still missing? He'd probably be dodging assassins the whole way Having Juna look out for bydia would put his mind at ease, and honestly, Lydia could use the help for what she had planned.

Lucinda, meanwhile, was scheming as always. She'd been hoping Connor would stick around the Norwood place so she could find a way to get close to him. She never expected him to suddenly announce he was leaving on a business trip. C ntent

The news hit Lucinda in two ways. She was annoyed that Connor was leaving, but she was also thrilled. Without him around, Lydia would be an easy target. Blind, vulnerable.

Lucinda's mind spun with possibilities. What if Lydia had a little accident Slipped on the stairs, maybe. Or lost her footing in the

shower. Ate something she shouldn't. She could even be kidnapped while out of the house.

For Lucinda, this felt like the perfect shot at revenge.

After everyone said their goodbyes to Connor, Kylie hurried to Lydia's side and gently took her arm. "Lydia, even with Connor gone, your father and I will take care of you."

It was their chance to finally step up as parents.

Lydia nodded. I know. Really, I can handle myself."

Kylie looked at her, worry in her eyes. "Tonight, your dad and I are moving upstairs. We'll stay in your brothers' old room, just to be closer. It'll make us feel better."

Lucinda, lurking nearby, rolled her eyes. Moving upstairs? It was just her and Lydia up there. Clearly, they were worried she'd mess with Lydia.

Lydia immediately shook her head. "You really don't need to do that. I can take care of myself."