chapter609

The truth hurt, but that didn't make it any less real.

Lucinda's eyes filled with tears out of nowhere. "Grace, am I just extra in this family now? Like I don't even belong?"

Grace hadn't meant to make her feel worse. She just wanted Lucinda to fight for herself, to be brave and go after what she wanted. She didn't expect her to fall apart so fast.

"Lucinda, why would you say that? Sure, Mr. Norwood's opinion of Lydia has

changed, but you're still the one he cares about most. As long as he's got your back, what are you so afraid of?"

Lucinda lowered her gaze, voice raw. "Why aren't they my real parents? Why wasn't I born their daughter? Why did it have to be Lydia?"

Why did her perfect dream have to be ripped away?

Lucinda seemed so crushed and Grace almost blurted out the truth, that her father was Night Eagle, not just some regular worker, and her mother had always been there for her, never leaving her side. But in the end, she swallowed the words.

"Lucinda, you came to this family first. You've lived here eighteen years. Even if Lydia is their biological daughter, she showed up later. As long as the Norwoods accept you, you're still their daughter."

Just then, Connor came back with Lydia. Elliot couldn't help rolling his eyes. Did Connor really need to come back with his sister? Was he scared someone would eat him if he showed up by himself?

"Connor, you brought so many gifts again, Kylie said, feeling a little guilty as she watched him unload bag after bag from the car. "You don't have to every time you come for dinner."

Elliot's mouth twitched. He and his brothers always had to bring gifts when they came home, but now Connor gets told not to bother?

"They're just some health supplements. Everyone in the family could use them," Connor replied, smiling politely.

Elliot stared. Was Connor actually smiling now?

"Elliot, my brother-in-law." Connor greeted him, seeing Elliot standing there with his nose in the air.

Elliot gave a snobby little sniff. "You never called me brother-in-law before. Why start now?"

Kylie stepped up and smacked him on the head. "Be polite."

Elliot was just trying to act tough in front of Connor, but his own mom wiped out all his dignity with a single smack.

"Mom, why'd you hit me?" he grumbled, clearly annoyed.

Kylie glared. "Quit acting like a little prince. Connor called you his brother-in-law, so answer him and stop making a fuss."

Elliot could only stare, speechless, while Lydia actually cracked a smile at her brother's stunned face.

Elliot rubbed his head, looking

awkward and a little lost for words.

estar

He was supposed to be a superstar,

but his mom didn't care about his

image at all.

Connor didn't tease him, though. Instead, he explained seriously,

"Before I never thought I'd actually become part of the Norwood family. different. Of course t

Now things are

should treat you with respect.'

The message was obvious. Connor hadn't planned on joining the family before, but

now he was serious, so he was doing things properly.

Connor was giving him a way out, and Elliot would be an idiot not to take it.

He rubbed his nose and laughed a little. "Honestly, I thought you were

completely hopeless came

to feelings but I guess you're not so bad after all."