chapter143

Sandy's fingers curled tight in her lap. She could feel her nerves prickle as she stared at the antlers in her hands. She and Soren had bought them together at a little shop, and they'd cost five thousand a fortune, at least to her. Before she'd come back to the Smith family, her monthly allowance was barely a thousand.

On the way over, Sandy decided to claim she'dspent ten million at a black market auction. She figured the old lady would be so touched she'd pull out all the stops to help Luke. Besides, Grandma's eyesight was nearly gone. There was no way she'd know the difference.

Sandy pasted on a smile and nodded. "That's right, Grandma. If it helps you walk again, no price is too high."

"Ten million for these golden antlers? Let me have a look."

The voice from the doorway was clear and bright, ringing through the room.

At once, everyone's expressions shifted. Mrs. Smith, though, suddenly looked years younger, her eyes shining as she twisted around in her wheelchair, searching the

entrance.

Lydia was back. Her precious girl was finally home.

Sandy's heart skipped. Every time Lydia showed up, something went sideways. What if she could tell the antlers weren't real?

Milana shot a glare toward the door. There was Lydia, walking in with her chin up, all confidence and attitude. And right behind her was a man... arms full of gifts... and definitely not someone they recognized.

Lyds, come here, let me see you, Mrs. Smith called, her voice full of warmth as she waved her over.

Lydia had only been gone three days, but for Mrs. Smith, it felt like an eternity.

As Lydia got closer, the old lady finally noticed the man trailing after her. "Lyds, who's this?"

Connor stepped forward, his arms still loaded with bags. He glanced at Mrs. Smith and offered a polite smile. "Mrs. Smith, I'm Miss Norwood's driver. I just helped her bring these gifts over."

Lydia said nothing, keeping her expression unreadable.

Mrs. Smith seemed to get it right away, but still gave Lydia a gentle scolding look. "You know, you don't need to bring gifts every time you visit. I just want to see you."

"Sorry, Grandma. I've just been really busy lately and couldn't make it to see you sooner." Lydia crouched down and wrapped her hands around her grandmother's, ignoring everyone else in the room. "Please, just take the gifts. They're for you."

Milana rolled her eyes. Busy? What, busy going on dates with all your men?

Was he really a driver? Who was she trying to fool?

Connor's eyes turned cold as he

shot a look at Milana. For a moment, Milana fett a chill run down her back, but then she shrugged it off. So what this guy looked impressive He was just another one of Lydia's random flings. Nothing to be scared of.

Sandy, on the other hand, couldn't stop staring at Connor. He seemed so refined, so impossibly handsome. Compared to Soren, he was on another level entirely. She just didn't get it. What was it about Lydia that made all these amazing men fall for her?

"Milana, how could you talk about Lyds like that?" Mrs. Smith's tone went sharp. Milana scoffed. "Mom, you just don't know. She-"

"That's enough," Jenson cut in, his voice firm. "She's a Norwood now. What she does isn't our business." He sent Milana a look, clearly telling her to drop they were! if pod were here to get on his grandma's good side and try to track down Miracle Hands for

Luke. It made no sense to pick a fight about Lydia now.

Sandy chimed in, trying to smooth things over. "Mom, Dad's right. What matters most is getting Grandma's leg treated, and finding Miracle Hands to help my brother."