chapter70

Connor stared at Lydia's reply, feeling let down. So she still didn't want to see him? Was he that off-putting? He didn't think he was scary, and she definitely didn't seem like someone who'd get spooked easily. Was it possible she just... didn't like him?

He kept replaying it all in his head, doubts piling up. Sleep was definitely not happening tonight.

Lydia had barely finished dealing with Connor when her phone started buzzing again. She checked the screen, her eyes narrowing a bit. Just as the call was about to go to voicemail, she picked up. Milana's voice shot through the line, loud and furious.

Lydia, you ungrateful brat! How could you treat Sandy like that? We took care of you for eighteen years, never asked for anything, and this is how you repay us?"

Apparently, Sandy had come home with a face swollen like a balloon, crying her eyes out, and made everything sound ten times worse. Milana was already mad before she even dialed.

Lydia let out a sharp laugh. "You really think you raised me for eighteen years?"

Milana hesitated, caught off guard for a second, but then puffed up again. "Of course we did! Your dad and I worked all hours to keep this family afloat. We barely had time to sleep, let alone take care of you. We had to leave you with your grandma. What else did you expect us to do? Watch you starve?"

Lydia's voice went cold. "If Grandma hadn't been there, I probably would've starved or frozen to death anyway. Everything I am today is because of her, not you. So don't try to guilt-trip me with your 'sacrifices.' I don't owe you anything."

Milana's temper snapped. You're just proving what a heartless brat you are! If I'd known you'd turn out like this, I would've left you on the street. I never should have let that old woman take you in!"

Lydia's laugh was icy. "Wow. Glad you finally said what you really think."

"So what? Being nice to you clearly got us nowhere. You're just shameless. Sandy did what she did for your own good, and instead of being grateful, you hit her! I'm telling you, Lydia, stay away from the Smith family from now on. Don't even think about telling people you're connected to us. If you do, you'll regret it!"

Lydia's reply was calm and sharp as glass. "You better listen up. If Sandy tries to mess with me again, she's going to regret it. And you, stop calling me. I'm done with all of you."

She didn't wait for a response, just ended the call and blocked both Milana's and Jenson's numbers for good.

On the other side, Milana was practically shaking with rage. She glared at her phone, yelling, Did you all hear that? Did you? That ungrateful brat! She's a shameless hooker. She deserves whatever happens to her!"

Sandy, putting on her best innocent act, tried to calm her down. "Mom, she probably just feels ashamed, and that's why she didn't want me to say anything. Don't let her upset you. If I see her with some other guy again, I'll just pretend she doesn't exist."

Truth was, Sandy hadn't seen Lydia with anyone tonight. She'd made up the whole thing about Lydia and some older man just to get her parents on her side, and Milana had swallowed it whole.

Jenson just sighed, sounding tired. "Now that she's gone back to the Norwood family, there's nothing we can do. Let her live her own life."

She wasn't really their daughter, after all. Even if she made a mess of her life, it wasn't their problem anymore.

Milana exhaled sharply, then shot Jenson a glare. "You need to talk to your mom. Tell her to stop wasting time on Lydia and start focusing on her real grandkids."