chapter46

Lucinda spent the whole breakfast trying to make herself the center of attention. She even added food to Lydia's plate, putting on a show of sisterly love that only made Lydia more uncomfortable. Lydia barely acknowledged her.

When breakfast finally ended, Cameron pulled out a crisp folder and placed it in front of Lydia. He was all smiles. "Lydia, your mom told me last night that you're really into fashion design. So here's a little company for you to try out. It doesn't matter if you make money or not. Think of it as a chance to practice."

Lucinda's smug expression vanished in an instant.

Wait, what? Her dad was just giving Lydia a company for fun?

Lydia nodded and accepted the document. "Thank you for trusting me. I'll do my best to manage it well."

Cameron laughed, clearly proud. "That's my girl. So talented and responsible, even at your age."

Kylie reached into her purse and handed Lydia a sleek black card. "Lydia, here's some pocket money from your dad and me. Thank you for helping your grandfather yesterday."

Since Lucinda was sitting right there, Kylie didn't mention how much was on the card. No need to make things awkward.

Lydia pushed the card back. I'm fine. You should keep it."

Kylie pressed it back into her hand. "No, sweetie. This is from us. Without you and your quick thinking, we don't even want to imagine what could have happened. It's just a little something for you. Please, take it."

Mr. Norwood, sitting at the head of the table, cleared his throat. "Just accept it. People would talk if the daughter of the wealthiest man in the city didn't even get pocket money."

Lucinda couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her own grandfather was taking Lydia's side. The realization hit her hard. Was Lydia going to steal even Grandpa away from her? That couldn't happen. Grandpa had always loved her the most. He was supposed to be hers.

Lydia glanced at Mr. Norwood, her tone steady. "Helping people is what doctors do."

Cameron tucked the card firmly into Lydia's hand, his voice gentle. "If you don't accept it, we'll think you're still mad at us."

Lydia didn't have much of a choice. She let out a soft sigh and accepted the card. "Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad.

Cameron looked at her with a mix of pride and guilt. "Lydia, you're so thoughtful it hurts sometimes. I saw your old backpack yesterday. You wouldn't even let us get you a new one. So, I bought one hundred bags for you, all from a famous international designer. Pick whichever you like, whenever you like."

Lydia blinked. One hundred bags? Was she hearing this right?

Before she could even wrap her head around it, the butler hurried in. "Sir, the LYLX team has arrived with your custom order of bags."

Lydia was stunned. Did that mean all those designs she rushed to finish yesterday were actually for herself?

After Cameron transferred the payment to the delivery manager, Lydia's phone buzzed. Ethan messaged: Lydia, the SVIP client's 100-bag order is all set!"

Cameron waved his hand, telling the staff to move all the bags to Lydia's room. Lucinda watched, fuming with jealousy. The black, minimalist bags weren't her taste, but still. Her dad had never bought her this many bags at once. And these weren't just any bags. They were designed by LYLX's founder, the legendary designer herself.

Fine, whatever. Her parents did buy her a helicopter, after all. She could let it go this time.

"Dad, Mom," Lucinda called out, unable to hold back any longer. "You gave Lydia all these gifts first thing in the morning. What about mine?"