chapter174

Connor let out a low laugh. "I could always hand things off to Aiden or someone else, you know."

"Tomorrow's not going to work. I'm swamped." Lydia's voice was apologetic but firm.

Honestly, she was going to be busy for the next few days, throwing herself into fixing up the company, hiring new people, and getting everything running smoothly again. Connor thought it over, then nodded. Alright. If you need anything, just ask.

"Okay."

They pulled up outside Riverside Villas. Lydia parked in front of the building and didn't make any move to invite Connor in.

It was already late. Not exactly the right time for guests.

Aiden pulled up behind them, stepping on the gas just enough to catch up, and let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness Connor didn't have to wait.

"Get home safe," Lydia said, her tone gentle.

The idea of not seeing her tomorrow as she'd be buried in work for the next few days, left Connor with a hollow feeling.

"Don't overdo it," he said softly. He reached for her hand, tracing his thumb over her fingers, and before she could react, he leaned down to press a light kiss to her knuckles.

Aiden nearly covered his eyes.

Oh my god.

Was he supposed to see that?

Lydia froze. His lips were soft, and the moment lingered just a second too long.

Connor straightened, a satisfied little smile on his face. He reached up and ruffled her hair like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Go on inside."

Lydia's cheeks burned. She was grateful the lights weren't too bright-otherwise he'd definitely have noticed.

"Alright." She nodded, slipped into her car, and drove through the gates.

Connor stood there for a moment, watching until her car vanished into the garage, then turned and got into his own car.

Aiden pretended he hadn't seen anything. As he started the engine, Connor's voice came from the back seat, low and steady. "Spread the word. If Miracle Hands is willing to show up, I'll pay ten billion."

Aiden stared, caught off guard. Was he finally coming to his senses?

He was actually going to find Miracle Hands for treatment?

Mr. Jefferson had spent years searching in secret, but Miracle Hands was a legend. Hardly anyone had ever seen them. People from all over the world, billionaires, politicians, even royalty, had tried and failed.

Connor had met every famous doctor there was. But it seemed like Miracle Hands was his only real hope.

"Yes, boss!"

Connor looked out into the night, his eyes growing darker.

Until now, he hadn't really cared about finding Miracle Hands. He already knew he'd never serve his country again, so just staying alive had seemed enough.

But tonight, when Lydia held his

hand and led him through the dark, when he'd knocked over that

he watched her drive

toolbox, whethaugh's

him home even though she was clearly exhausted, he hated how powerless he was.

For the first time, he desperately wanted to be whole. He wanted to be able to protect the person he cared about, even in the dark.

Lydia slipped inside the house. She noticed the lights were still on in Cameron and Kylie's room, so she pulled out her phone and sent them each a message.

"Good night, Dad."

"Good night, Mom."

Her parents had just finished their showers and saw Lydia's messages pop up. Knowing their daughter was home safe, their worries faded away. They texted back right away.

"Good night, sweetheart."

Meanwhile, Lucinda was stewing in her room, too angry to sleep. Parker and Rose had dragged her into their mess, and she was so frustrated she took it out on her expensive stuffed animals. The poor plushies ended up twisted and misshapen.

So unfair!

How could they be so unfair?

Her parents actually doubted her? They questioned her just make their precious

biological daughter feel better?

What did that make her, then?

She couldn't stand it.

From her window, she could hear the faint sound of a car engine. The main building wasn't far from the gate.

Was Lydia back?

She

She jumped out of bed, ran to the window, and peered through the curtains. She could just make out a car parked at the entrance recognized it right away-it was one of the luxury cars her parents had given Lydia.

She huffed. Lydia came back, and everything that was supposed to be hers got taken away.

Then her eyes went wide.

Wait a second.

Was that... Connor?