chapter338

Grace's heart did a little leap when Lucinda agreed so quickly. Honestly, this was better than she'd hoped. Lucinda could still marry into the Jefferson family and become the second young mistress, just like they'd always planned.

"Lucinda, I'm glad you're seeing things clearly. Connor just isn't worth your feelings anymore," Grace said.

Just hearing Connor's name made Lucinda's heart ache. She'd loved him for as long as she could remember. How was she supposed to just let go? Choosing Mikey wasn't what she'd dreamed of. It was just the only thing left she could do. But if marrying Mikey meant she could live under the same roof as Connor, that was something she could accept.

The more she thought about Grace's plan, the more perfect it seemed.

"Grace, but... how am I supposed to get Mikey to like me?" Lucinda asked, her uncertainty plain on her face. She barely knew anything about him.

Grace's smile turned mysterious. "You don't need to make him like you. Just tell your grandfather how much you admire Mikey. He'll talk to your parents, and they'll bring it up with the Jefferson family. As long as Grandpa Samuel agrees, Mikey won't have any say in it."

Everyone knew Grandpa Samuel was still the one in charge of the Jefferson family. No matter how successful his three grandsons were, when the old man spoke, they all listened.

Lucinda felt her confusion melt away, replaced by a fresh sense of hope and purpose.

"Grace, you're so good to me. I really don't know how to thank you," Lucinda said, her voice trembling.

Grace reached out, her eyes full of warmth. "Lucinda, I've been looking after you since you were born. I held you more than your own parents did. I already love you like you're my own daughter. Whatever you want, I'll do everything I can to help you get it."

Tears welled up in Lucinda's eyes. She threw herself into Grace's arms, crying softly. Grace, you treat me better than my own mom and dad.

Grace stroked Lucinda's long, silky hair, speaking gently. "You need to stay calm and get along with Lydia for now. When your grandfather comes home from the hospital, ask him to arrange the engagement with Mikey."

A small smile finally appeared on Lucinda's lips. The worry in her heart faded, replaced by quiet determination. "Okay."

Almost eleven o'clock that night, Connor drove Lydia back to Riverside Villas.

"Get some sleep tonight, all right? No more staying up so late," he said.

Lydia nodded. I know. You should go home too. We'll find a way to heal your eyes." "I believe you," Connor replied softly.

He hadn't wanted to weigh down his

young fianc e, but now that he knew She was

racle Hands, be didnt

really have another option. .net>

Lydia headed into the main house. Tina spotted her and hurried over with a bowl of warm milk.

"Lydia, your mother told me to make sure you had this before bed," Tina said, handing her the bowl.

Lydia accepted it with a grateful smile. "Thank you."

Tina's face softened. "No need to thank me, Lydia. Taking care of you is part of my job."

"You should rest soon too," Lydia replied.

Tina hesitated, twisting her fingers. I... well...

Lydia raised an eyebrow, waiting. "What is it? You can tell me anything."

Tina lowered her voice. "I know we're not supposed to talk about the family's business, but Grace came back today and spent

upstals with a long time

Lucinda was cleaning

your room and heard crying from Lucinda's room. They mentioned Connor's name. Since your parents are still at the hospital with your grandfather, I thought you should know."

Tina hadn't heard much, but she, like else in the house,

that Lucinda had always memete

Connor.