chapter193

Lucinda's face was tight with worry, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

Cameron and Kylie were caught off guard by her sudden outburst. They figured she was just overwhelmed and speaking out of panic. Cameron tried to calm her down. "Lucinda, we know how worried you are about Grandpa, but this isn't your sister's fault. We talked to the doctor before we left last night. He said Grandpa was stable, all his vitals looked good, and his wound was healing. The doctor checked again this morning at seven and said everything was still normal. It's just.....

Kylie paused, her words hanging in the air.

That morning, they'd arrived at the hospital later than they meant to. As they reached the door, Lucinda's terrified screams echoed from inside. They rushed in and saw Grandpa coughing up blood, the scene so shocking it left them frozen with fear.

The caregiver wasn't there. It was just Lucinda in the room with him.

Lucinda wiped at her tears, her voice trembling. "Mom, I was the only one with Grandpa. I fed him breakfast and he was fine. Then I started peeling him an apple and, halfway through, his face went white and he just started throwing up blood. I didn't know what to do. I was so scared.

"If it wasn't because of the surgery, then what was it? Are you saying I didn't take good enough care of him?"

Her words were thick with tears and frustration, her whole body shaking with emotion.

Kylie's tone softened. "Lucinda, no one is blaming you. I just meant something must have caused this, but we don't know what yet. Let's wait until Dr. Hady and the others come and explain, okay?"

Lydia's voice rang out, calm and almost cold. "A post-surgery blood vessel rupture can definitely happen if the sutures weren't done right."

Lucinda immediately sat up

straighter, almost relieved to have her suspicions confirmed. "See, I knew it. Fold you from the start you shouldn't operate or Grandpa, but you insisted on doing it yourself. Lydia, I'm not blaming you just to blame you. I just want to understand what you were thinking.

"You knew you weren't ready. Why did you have to do the surgery on Grandpa and put him in danger again?

"You weren't even there. You have no idea how terrifying it was.

Lucinda's hands shook as she wiped at her eyes again, clearly convinced that Lydia was to blame.

Lydia's lips curled into a slight, unreadable smile. I haven't finished explaining. Why are you jumping to conclusions?"

Lucinda felt a strange uncertainty under Lydia's steady gaze, but she squared her shoulders and stared back, voice breaking. "Why wouldn't I be upset? I'm so scared for Grandpa. know you and he don't always get along, but you can't just stand by and watch him suffer, right?"

Her tone made it clear she thought everything was Lydia's fault, and that Lydia didn't even care enough to feel guilty.

Cameron stepped in, gently but firmly. Lucinda, take a breath. Let your sister finish what she was saying."

Lucinda turned away, looking smaller than ever, her voice cracking. Dad, I'm done talking. It doesn't matter what I say. You're always going to believe her over me."

Kylie's heart ached at the sight. She reached for Lucinda, speaking softly. "Lucinda, that's not true. Please, dont misunderstand us We you, and we aren't picking sides.