chapter497

"Grace, maybe I've really misunderstood them." The words slipped out of Lucinda before she could stop herself.

Grace stared at her, stunned. She hadn't even been gone that long. Had her precious daughter really been brainwashed already?

"Lucinda, seriously, you're being naive. Blake gave Lydia so many things, and all you got was a piano? Is that supposed to be enough for you?"

Lucinda hesitated. Part of her thought Grace was right, but Blake's words kept echoing in her mind. She tried to sound gentle. "Grace, I know you care about me. But I just... I don't want to leave the Norwood family. I don't want you to leave me either. So I've decided I'll get along with my sister from now on."

Grace felt her heart pounding. Lucinda, do you really think Lydia will ever treat you well? If Blake actually cared about you, why didn't he stand up for you today at the party?"

Lucinda closed her eyes for a moment and let out a slow breath, as if she was settling something inside herself. Grace, please stop. I lost that bet, it's my fault, not anyone else's. And besides, Lydia is my grandmaster now. Since she was willing to accept my tea, it means she accepts me as her student. That means I can ask her to help me with my piano playing in the future."

Grace felt completely defeated. What on earth had Blake said to change her daughter's mind like this?

"Lucinda, but..."

"Grace, I know you're looking out for me. But I want to stay with the Norwoods and live a good life here. As long as they still think of me as family, I don't mind letting Lydia take the lead. Everything here was always supposed to be hers, anyway."

Grace felt tears prick at her eyes. She had to admit, Blake's brainwashing skills were seriously impressive.

"Lucinda, do you... still want to marry Mikey?" Grace's voice was careful, almost pleading.

Lucinda thought for a while, then shook her head a little. "I'm not sure. I don't really have feelings for Mikey, and I doubt he has any for me."

Grace almost threw her hands up in frustration. "Feelings can grow, you know. Out of everyone in this city, Mikey is the only one good enough for you."

Lucinda considered that and

nodded. Alright. Since Grandpa said

he'd talk to Grandpa Samuel 19

he's feeling better, let's just wait and see what happens after that."

In

Grace finally let herself relax a little. At least Lucinda hadn't completely forgotten about marrying Mikey. As long as that possibility was still there, she could work with it. Her biggest fear was that Lucinda would get so swept up she'd give up on the Jeffersons for good. As for everything else, Grace was confident she could eventually help Lucinda see that Blake's words were all just tricks.

Meanwhile, Lydia headed to Blake's villa with Kylie and Cameron. Connor didn't follow them, so Lydia could have some space with her family.

"Lydia, how are you even real?" Kylie's voice was still shaky from shock. Cameron just stared, wide-eyed.

Melody Mastro. The most famous pianist in the world today. If they hadn't seen it for themselves, they'd never have believed it.

Lydia just gave a small, easy smile. It's just a hobby, honestly."

The truth was, she didn't even play piano that often. She was always so busy, it was really just something she did for fun.

The housekeepers were completely stunned. None of them could have guessed that the newly returned young lady was actually the world-renowned Melody Mastro. It was unbelievable.

"Miss Lydia, you really are incredible. My daughter absolutely worships Melody Mastro. Could you... maybe sign something for her?" A housekeeper, Alexis, walked over, her voice tentative! ative nearly trembling with excitement.