chapter509

She'd called her grandma a couple of times, but each time Grandma just said that Jenson and Milana were too caught up worrying about Luke in the hospital and the company to even bother with her. Lydia never expected that so much had happened behind her back. And Connor hadn't told her a thing.

"I just didn't want you to worry, so I kept it to myself while you were abroad." Connor's voice was gentle, almost apologetic.

Lydia didn't blame him for it. If anything, she was grateful. When she hadn't been able to be there for her grandma, Connor had stepped up. She meant it when she said, Thank you." Then she added, Get some rest, okay? Call me if you need anything."

"Alright, he replied.

After leaving Connor's villa, Lydia got in her car and headed straight to Lakeview Town. As she drove, she pulled up the security footage from before her trip to France on her phone. She'd installed cameras in every corner, inside and out, so she could clearly see and hear everything that happened when Jenson and Milana showed up. Watching the footage, she saw them actually raise their hands against her grandmother. Even through the screen, Lydia felt her anger spike. She wanted

to tear them apart.

How could they stoop so low, all for a few company shares? They'd gone so far as to hurt her grandma. Connor had shown them mercy by not beating them half to death. If Lydia had been there, she wouldn't have let them off so easily.

By the time Lydia drove into the countryside, the sun was just setting. Smoke from the evening cooking drifted up from the chimneys, curling through the warm orange light that spread across the rooftops. The whole village felt wrapped in the gentle glow of home.

She hadn't called to say she was coming. Mrs. Smith was outside, practicing walking with her cane. She'd been working on her strength every day, and it showed -her steps were steadier, her movements more agile.

When she saw Lydia, she blinked in surprise, then called out softly, "Lyds?"

Ever since Lydia had gone back to the Norwood family, Mrs. Smith had felt lonelier and lonelier. She missed her little Lyds, dreamt about her at night, remembered the days when Lydia was just a child. As Lydia grew up, life only got busier.

Getting old meant you spent more time thinking, she mused quietly to herself.

Lydia hurried over and gently supported her. "Grandma, I'm so sorry I haven't been back sooner. Work's been crazy."

Mrs. Smith came back to herself and immediately smiled, her eyes shining. "Lyds, I'm fine. Have you lost weight again? Don't let work wear you out.

Honestly, no matter when she saw Lydia, she always thought the girl looked thinner.

Lydia grinned. Grandma, have I ever looked anything but skinny? If anyone's losing weight, it's you."

It was true. Mrs. Smith had lost a bit more weight, and seeing it made Lydia's heart ache.

Mrs. Smith just laughed, waving off her concern. "At my age, I can't afford to be too heavy. That's when, the hesses come knocking feel sharper this way." fo

Lydia guided her gently back inside, then, almost on impulse, said, "Grandma, why don't you come live with me in the Capital?"

Mrs. Smith paused, leaning on her cane, then shook her head. No, I'm used to it here. If I moved to the city, I doubt I'd sleep well.

She'd lived in this little village for decades. The thought of moving to the bustling city made her uneasy.

Lydia helped her into a chair, her

voice softening. "I know you love it here, Grandma. But if Grandpa were watching from above, I think he'd be above, I think he'd

want you to be happy, not lonely