chapter301

All right, the reporters are gone. We can head to the hospital now."

Just as those words left his mouth, Lucinda came downstairs, dressed and ready. The whole family piled into the car together, off to visit Mr. Norwood.

Lydia barely looked up from her phone the entire ride.

On her screen, the Retirement Squad group chat was buzzing.

Charles: [Looks like little Lydia picked Kevin's place after all.]

Carson: [Kevin, you sly dog. You already bought all the equipment?]

Kevin: [Haha, what can I say? Now I get to see little Lydia every day. Bet you're all jealous.]

They pulled up at the hospital before long. Mr. Norwood sat up in bed, a nurse helping him with breakfast.

Lucinda rushed over first, perching at his bedside, her eyes full of concern. "Grandpa, how are you feeling today?"

After two days of rest, Mr. Norwood's color had finally started coming back. Seeing Garrett and Lydia together by his side made him smile wider than he had in days.

He turned to Lucinda. "I'm alright. I'm feeling much better today."

Then he looked at Garrett. "I heard you stopped by last night.

Garrett grinned. "You were asleep when I got here, so I didn't want to wake you. Grandpa, I went over your surgery records, both times. Dr. Hady gave me all the details. If you keep taking care of yourself, you'll be even healthier than before. And honestly, that's all thanks to Lydia."

Lydia was still off to the side, tapping away on her phone, silent.

If this had happened just a few days ago, Mr. Norwood would have snapped at her for being

disrespectful. But after two surgeries, and all the times Dr Hady and the other doctors sang Lydia's praises, his attitude had changed completely.

She might've seemed rebellious or difficult, but looking back, he knew he'd been too quick to judge her. Lydia had saved his life twice, not holding a grudge even when he'd treated her unfairly. Even he couldn't ignore that kind of kindness.

He let out a gentle laugh. "It's true. If it weren't for Lydia, I would've been long gone by now."

Lucinda jumped in, shaking her head. "Grandpa, you can't say things like that. You're going to live a long, happy life. Don't talk about unfucky stuff, okay? You're healthier than you think."

Mr. Norwood waved her off. "I know my own body. If not for Lydia, I'd be in a coffin right now. Lydia is my lucky star.

For the first time, Lydia looked up from her phone. She raised an eyebrow, a little surprised.

Was he actually coming around?

Lucinda, though, looked like she'd swallowed a lemon.

Lucky star? Seriously? Did Grandpa forget that his episode started the moment Lydia came home and talked back to him?

Lucky star? More like trouble magnet.

But she couldn't argue, not in front of everyone. She just clenched her jaw and stayed quiet.

Cameron and Kylie exchanged relieved smiles, clearly happy the old man had finally changed his tune.

"Dad, you finally see it. Lydia's incredible," Kylie said, her voice bright with approval.

Mr. Norwood nodded, his eyes softening as he looked at Lydia. I just hope Lydia can forgive this old fool for all the things I said to her."

Garrett smiled and gently nudged Lydia closer to the bed. "Come on, Lydia. Grandpa's asking for forgiveness. What do you think? Should we give him a second chance?"