chapter478

Lucinda could barely breathe. What? Her voice came out shaky, eyes wide with shock.

"Lucinda, I really thought your parents and Blake meant it when they said you were family tonight," Grace said, her words stinging. "But then, behind your back, they handed Lydia all those benefits. Doesn't that show they still see you as an outsider? Why does Lydia get everything and you get nothing? You've lived with the Norwoods for eighteen years. Did they ever give you eighteen billion? Or even a single one of those storefronts?"

Grace's words only made Lucinda's anger burn hotter.

"Eighteen billion? All the LYLX shops across the country?" Lucinda could barely believe what she was hearing. She hoped she'd misunderstood.

Grace nodded, eyes wide with indignation. "Yes, it's true. Blake is way over the line. He always says you're like a real sister, but then turns around and showers Lydia with gifts. Eighteen billion, just like that. And those shops all over the country, too. Do you know how much that's worth?"

She kept pressing the point, making sure Lucinda understood just how much the Norwood family favored Lydia over her.

Lucinda's hands shook as she clenched them into fists. "They actually... gave all that to Lydia?"

Grace nodded. "I know, right? I couldn't believe it either. Blake always seems so cold, but when it comes to Lydia, he's willing to give her the world.

After letting it all out, Grace finally felt a little better. She'd been trying to figure out how to make Lucinda see that the Norwoods couldn't be trusted, and now this secret was the perfect proof.

Lucinda felt like she'd been doused in ice water. She'd truly believed that, no matter how much her parents and Blake cared for Lydia, she still had a place in their hearts. After all, they used to love her so much.

But now she saw it was all just empty promises. They had only been trying to keep her quiet. The disappointment cut so deep it made her whole body ache.

When Grace saw the tears welling up in Lucinda's eyes, she felt sorry for her. Lucinda, please don't be too upset. What matters is you finally see them for who they really are. But this isn't the time to go against them yet," she reminded gently. Lucinda blinked away her tears and nodded firmly. "Don't worry, Grace. I get it." She still needed the Norwood family if she wanted to marry into the Jeffersons. There was no way she'd make a move now.

The World International Piano

Competition finally arrived, drawing everyone's attention. Lydia came with Connor and Chris awhile Kylie Cameron, and Blake had gotten there earlier. Lucinda headed straight backstage to get ready. C ntent

"Lydia, Master Richie is here too. Do you want to meet him after the competition?" Kylie asked, thinking this might be a great chance if Lydia was interested in piano. Having Richie as a mentor was a huge deal-just look at how good Lucinda was.

Lydia raised her eyebrow. "Let's talk after the performance."

Kylie took that as a yes and smiled. "Alright, let's enjoy the show first."

Lydia nodded, then glanced at her phone as it buzzed twice in a row. Richie: Are you here?

Juliette (President): Lydia, have you arrived?

A little smile curved Lydia's lips as she typed out her replies.

The lights in the auditorium faded, and the spotlight landed on the white grand piano at center stage glearted under the lights, looking like a piece of art just waiting for someone to bring it to life,