chapter162

He had definitely underestimated her.

When Parker spoke, Lydia couldn't help lifting an eyebrow. "Me? Their goddaughter?"

Parker frowned. "Isn't that what happened? You rescued Mr. Norwood by chance, and Cameron and Kylie were so grateful they made you their goddaughter?"

"Who told you that?" Lydia looked at him like he was making it up.

She'd asked her parents to keep her real identity on the down low, but this goddaughter rumor was news to her.

"It was Lucinda. Wait... did she lie to me?" Parker wasn't an idiot. Lydia's reaction told him everything he needed to know.

Lydia put it all together.

Lucinda? Really?

"So Lucinda told you I was just the Norwoods' goddaughter, and that made you think

I was nothing to worry about? That you could just get rid of me?"

Parker felt a cold sweat break out along his back. Wasn't that the truth? Had Lucinda actually played them all?

If she hadn't said Lydia was just some nobody from nowhere, with no real

connection to the Norwoods, Parker never would've dared to cross her.

"So ignorant," Lydia said, not bothering to waste another word on him. She turned and left the interrogation room without looking back.

Byron was dying to know what Lydia's real relationship with the Norwood family was, but right now, something else was more important.

"Miss Norwood, wait a sec!"

He rushed after her.

Lydia stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Yes?"

Byron jogged up, feeling weirdly nervous. "You... you don't remember me? You helped us with a case before. I'm Byron."

God, this was his first time talking face to face with the legendary hacker L. His heart was pounding.

Lydia just gave him a look and made a gesture, miming zipping her lips.

Byron got it right away and gave a sheepish grin. "I understand. I won't say a word."

Hackers like were always so mysterious, he hadn't worked with her before and recognized her voice, he never would've guessed the famous hacker everyone talked in about was actually this pretty teenager standing in front of him.

It was honestly wild.

Lydia nodded. Good. In a bit, I'll need you to send two officers with me to collect evidence at the scene."

"Absolutely. That's easy."

Lydia nodded again, just as her phone started vibrating in her pocket. It had been buzzing nonstop back in the interrogation room. She took a quick look-Kylie was calling.

"Hi, Mom."

As soon as she heard Lydia's voice,

Kylie finally let herself relax. Her

words came out gentle and full of

worry Lydia, did you make it back? How much longer until you're

home?"

If she was driving at a normal pace, Lydia should almost be there by now.

Their only daughter was out alone at

night, and Kylie and Cameron had been anxious all evening. When their calls went unanswered earlier Cameron nearly sent the who security team out to look for her.

"Mom, I'm going to be a bit late. You and Dad should get some sleep. Don't wait up."

She still had to stop by Greenward Power to handle a few things. Tonight was going to be a long one.

Oh, that's all right, Lydia. We'll wait up for you. Your dad and I won't be able to sleep until we know you're home safe.

Lydia felt a soft warmth in her chest. It was a good feeling, knowing her parents cared so much.

Captain, Rose keeps asking to call Mrs. Norwood. What should we do?"

Suddenly, the door to the other interrogation room swung open, and one of the officers called out to Byron in the hallway.

Byron automatically glanced at Lydia, who was still on the phone.

On the other end, Kylie had heard the officer's voice and tensed up. "Lydia? Where

are you right now? Why does Rose want to see me?"