chapter67

Lydia just gave a little smirk. Whatever comes, I'll deal with it."

He was just an ambassador. Why should she be afraid?

She turned to Cooper. "Your arm's still bleeding. Grab your first-aid kit, I'll patch you up for now. But you should go to the hospital soon and get it checked out, maybe an X-ray."

Cooper stared at her, surprised. He hadn't expected Lydia to know anything about first aid.

"You... you know how to do this?" he asked.

Chris looked impressed too. Lydia seemed to be good at everything. His curiosity about her just kept growing.

Lydia just nodded. "Yeah."

Cooper's gratitude was written all over his face. Thank you."

Honestly, if it hadn't been for Lydia tonight, they probably wouldn't have seen Neil so completely lose his cool.

Cooper's injury was pretty bad. Lydia guessed it was probably a fracture. She worked quickly, cleaning and wrapping the wound with gauze. "Don't move your arm. And go to the hospital, okay?"

"Got it. Oh, Miss Norwood, could I get your number? I owe you three million, but honestly, that's not enough. I'll send you five million. Thank you for standing up for us... and for patching me up."

Cooper really did want to thank her. He knew Lydia wasn't the kind of person who cared about money, but he couldn't think of any other way to show how grateful he

was.

Chris raised an eyebrow, watching Cooper awkwardly try to ask. Was this kid actually interested in Lydia? And did he plan to just ask for her number like that?

Lydia just gave a small smile. That's not necessary. You should get to the hospital. I'm heading home."

She didn't give Cooper any chance to say more. She hopped on her motorcycle and took off, disappearing into the night without looking back.

Chris shot Cooper a look. Don't get any funny ideas about her, got it?"

Cooper laughed. "I wouldn't. I just wanted to thank her."

Chris snorted. "Then why'd you ask for her number?"

"I just thought maybe I could learn from her in the future..."

Garnet looked over, curious. "Chris, who actually is Miss Norwood? I've never heard of her before."

Chris puffed up, clearly proud, and gave a little huff. "Not telling you."

By the time Lydia got back to the Norwood house, it was almost ten. Lucinda had already returned and was sitting in the living room watching TV with Kylie and Cameron.

As soon as Lydia walked in, Lucinda jumped up, sounding half surprised, half relieved. "You're finally home! Mom and Dad have been waiting for you all night. You just got back to the Capital, you don't know your way around, and you didn't answer your phone... We were really worried."

The meaning was obvious. You're so irresponsible, coming home this late and not letting anyone know where you are.

Kylie quickly spoke up. Lydia, your dad and I aren't upset. We were just worried you'd get lost."

Lydia nodded. "I'm alright."

"That's all that matters. I made some warm milk. It's in the kitchen. I'll bring it out for you and Lucinda before you go to bed.

Kylie headed off to the kitchen.

Lucinda clenched her fists without even realizing it. This used to be her special treatment. She never had to wait for Lydia before.

With Kylie watching her so warmly, Lydia quietly finished the milk and then went upstairs to her room. Lucinda followed close behind, stopping her just as she opened the door.

"Did you ever wonder why you didn't see Connor when you went to visit him today?"