chapter611

Garrett: [What did Connor bribe you with?]

Blake: [Seriously? You caved for just one meal?]

Arthur: [You're way too innocent, little brother.]

Elliot: [Pretend I didn't say anything.]

Once Connor was out the door, Lydia remembered something and pulled out two handwritten sheets of music from her pocket, handing them to Elliot.

"Elliot, these are for you."

She'd written them during her break at work earlier.

The surprise hit Elliot so fast he didn't know what to do. He stared at her, completely stunned. "For me?"

Lydia nodded. "Yeah."

Elliot could barely contain himself. He glanced at the sheets, and his jaw actually dropped.

This was it. This was exactly the sound he'd been chasing after.

This was his style, right down to the last note.

"Lydia, you're incredible. Seriously, these are a masterpiece."

"I'm glad you like them, Elliot."

"Like them? I'm obsessed. I love them!"

Lucinda edged closer, curiosity written all over her face. Elliot, did Lydia just give you some music?"

Elliot nodded, then suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right, Lucinda. Isn't your piano teacher Richie?"

Lucinda caught on right away and smiled. "Yes, Elliot. And my sister is actually his teacher."

Elliot whistled in awe and patted Lucinda's shoulder. "Lucinda, if Lydia ever gives you pointers, your piano skills are going to skyrocket."

Lucinda smiled sweetly, looking every bit the perfect little sister. "That's exactly what

I was hoping for, Elliot. I wanted to ask Lydia a few questions about piano... I wonder if you have time?

Lydia gave her a look, impossible to read, and didn't answer right away.

Lucinda had no choice but to try again. "Lydia, do you have a minute to go to the

piano room with me? I have some things I'd love to ask you."

"I'm tired. Maybe another day."

Lydia said it simply, then walked away and headed upstairs.

Did Lucinda really think Lydia hadn't seen through her act today?

She just didn't feel like dealing with her, that's all.

Lucinda's face turned red with embarrassment, especially with Elliot and all the staff standing right there.

How could Lydia just brush her off like that? Did she even care how Lucinda felt?

Elliot saw how awkward Lucinda

looked and jumped in to smooth

things over. "Lucinda, Lydia just had

a long day at work when she has some free time, I'm sure she teach you."

Lucinda put on her best fragile, hurt look. "I understand, Elliot."

Grace was fuming. Lydia, honestly... how could she embarrass Lucinda like that in front of everyone? because she was the real daughter of the family, did she think she could do whatever she wanted?

Lucinda trudged back to her room, looking completely defeated. Grace followed, speaking softly as she tried to comfort her "Lucinda maybe Lydia really is just tired Don't let it get to you."

Lucinda sat down at her vanity, took out a tube of lipstick, and twisted it up in silence.

Grace hovered, worried. "Lucinda?"

Suddenly, Lucinda snapped the brand new, expensive lipstick in half. The bright red color smeared across her fingers, vivid and angry.

"Grace, I'll give her one more month. Just one. If she's still like this, I won't keep swallowing my pride for her."

Three more days slipped by just like that.

Grandma Smith was still unconscious, and Jenson and Milana hadn't shown up at

all.

They were busy getting ready for Luke's birthday party.

Lydia finished Connor's acupuncture session, applied the herbal poultice, and checked the time.

"In half an hour, take the medicine off. I'm heading over to the Smiths' to join the party."