chapter499

Lucinda felt a wave of awkwardness, but she pulled herself together pretty quickly. "Thank you, no matter what. Lydia, is it okay if I ask you for some piano tips in the future?"

Lydia raised her eyebrows in surprise, glancing up at Lucinda. Lucinda just smiled at her, warm and genuine. Lydia knew Blake had talked to Lucinda earlier today. Apparently, it worked, though she wondered how long the peace would last.

"We'll see how I feel," Lydia said.

Lucinda didn't mind at all. She grinned. As long as you're not saying no, that's good enough for me."

Kylie and Cameron looked on, relieved to see the two getting along. Kylie smiled. "Lucinda, your sister's just like that. Don't worry. If you ever have questions, just ask her. She'll help you out."

Lucinda nodded. "I know, Mom, Dad."

That night, the whole family sat around the dinner table, the mood easy and comfortable, when Lydia's phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the caller ID. Chris.

"What's up?"

Chris spoke quickly on the other end. Lydia's face changed in an instant, her voice turning serious. "I'll be right there." She hung up, pushing her chair back and jumping to her feet.

"Lydia, what's going on?" Cameron asked, worry in his voice.

Lydia glanced at everyone's anxious faces, but didn't explain. I'm going to check something. With that, she turned and was out the door, moving so fast she was almost a blur.

Blake felt uneasy and stood up to follow. "I'll go with her."

Kylie nodded, looking worried. "Okay, Blake. Be careful, and keep Lydia safe."

"I will."

Blake rushed outside, just in time to see Lydia's car speeding away from the house. He quickly called for Jonas to bring the car around. Blake knew Jonas was a much better driver than he was.

Jonas had no idea why Lydia was in such a hurry, but as soon as Blake called for him, he jumped into action. "Boss, what's going on?" He was always a bit nosy, and even now, he couldn't resist asking.

Blake's face was tense. "I don't know. Just don't lose her."

Yes, sir. Jonas instantly looked serious and stepped on the gas, following Lydia's tail lights as they disappeared into the night.

Lydia reached the spot Chris had mentioned. The scene waiting for her was a nightmare. Over a dozen black SUV's had been smashed up, glass and twisted metal everywhere, and the ground was stained with blood that hadn't been cleaned up. The place was a mess.

Lydia got out, her brows knit tight. Jonas pulled up right behind her and stared, stunned. "Oh my god... this is intense. It couldn't be those people who chased Lydia before, could it?"

Blake gave him a sharp look, and Jonas fell silent.

Blake hurried after Lydia. "Where are Connor and the others?"

Lydia was searching too. Chris had said they were here when he called. She grabbed her phone and saw a message from Chris, sent five

mindres earlier [My Brothers .ne

is hurt

We're taking him to the hospital.] He'd also dropped a pin with the nearest hospital.

Lydia's eyes darkened. She turned around and got back in the car, her mind racing.

When did Connor become so important to her? The second she heard he'd been attacked, she didn't even stop to think. She just drove here as fast as she could. She hadn't even noticed Chris' message come in while she was on the road.

Jonas saw her expression and didn't dare make a sound. Once they were both in the car, he leaned toward Blake and whispered, "Boss, Lydra lookseven more upset than when she was attacked herself. I think she really cares about Mr. Jefferson." C ntent