chapter329

Garrett watched Lucinda carefully. Something was definitely off. Lucinda, what's going on? Why did the news about the mastermind's death get such a big reaction out of you?"

He couldn't believe things had gotten so out of hand. Now someone was dead. This was way more complicated than any of them had expected.

Lucinda tried to pull herself together, glancing nervously at Cameron and Garrett. I just... I got scared when Dad said the person behind everything jumped. I didn't expect things to go that far."

"They got caught and realized there was no way out, so they jumped," Cameron said quietly.

Lucinda's face went pale. "That's... that's horrifying."

Cameron took a deep breath. "It was a man, probably in his forties or fifties. The police think he was homeless, no family. Someone must've put him up to it."

Lucinda just stared, stunned.

A man? In his forties or fifties?

So it wasn't Grace.

Grace was still alive.

No one else noticed, but in those two minutes Lucinda's world had flipped upside down.

Then... who's behind this? Who'd want to hurt Lydia?" She finally managed to ask, her voice steadier, color slowly returning to her cheeks.

Cameron shook his head. "The police are still working on it."

Lucinda's anxiety spiked again. She had no idea if Grace had made it back to the Capital. She just knew she couldn't let anyone find out. If her parents discovered she was involved, they'd kick her out of the Norwood family for sure.

A clear, cheerful voice broke through her panic. "Even if he's dead, there'll be some clue left behind. It's just a matter of time."

Everyone looked over, relief on their faces.

"Lydia, you're back."

Then they spotted Connor and did a double take. "Connor, you're here too?"

Connor nodded, his usual calm in place. "Lydia said she'd take Garrett to the airport.

I wanted to say goodbye too."

Garrett arched a brow.

Kylie grinned Connor, with your crazy schedule, you still found time to come with Lydia and see Garrett off. Thank you, really. She thought Connor seemed like a totally different quy these days. He actually seemed warm, not like the icy,

distant person he used to be.

"I'm glad I get to send Garrett off with Lydia." Connor's words had a hint of something else.

Was he happy to be with Lydia, or just happy to see Garrett leave?

Garrett figured it was the first. He

and Connor weren't exactly tightnet

The guy was clearly doing all this for his sister.

Lydia looked down at the floor and lifted her brows. "What happened here? There

was water and broken glass everywhere.

Lucinda's stomach twisted, but she managed a weak smile. I just dropped it. Clumsy me."

Kylie jumped in. "Watch your step, Lydia. I'll get someone to clean it up."

Lydia nodded, then turned to Garrett. "Garrett, let's head out. The airport's not going to wait."

Garrett nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

Before he left, Garrett took a second to remind Mr. Norwood to stay calm, eat well, and get some rest.

He gave Lucinda's shoulder a gentle

squeeze. Lucinda, behave while m

gone bring you bething

nice."

Lucinda understood exactly what he meant. He was really telling her not to give

Lydia any trouble.

She managed a half-hearted smile. "I know, Garrett."