chapter804

Starlight: [The government is finally taking action. Some teachers have totally lost their sense of ethics. For the tiniest mistake, they'll berate students, humiliate them, even resort to physical punishment, never caring about a kid's self-esteem or what they can handle. How can people like that be called teachers? They're basically monsters pretending to be educators.]

WarmSun: [I really hope teachers who do the right thing get the credit they deserve. The ones who don't deserve to teach shouldn't be allowed to stay in schools and ruin the next generation. They should lose their teaching licenses, no question.]

After everything Lydia had stirred up, all those shady people in education were getting nervous behind the scenes. Here we go again, the oversight department was about to shake things up.

It was already seven in the evening before Lydia and Connor finally left Liberty High. Malcolm, Martin, and the rest of the team were still hard at work. As soon as they got in the car, Connor handed Lydia a cup of berry tea.

"Drink up and get some rest," he said. "We'll grab something to eat, then I'll take you home."

Lydia was wiped out, but no matter how tired she got, she could never just fall asleep. Her eyes felt heavy, though.

"I have to go back to campus tonight," she said. "Need to pack up my things first."

Connor watched as she took a couple of sips and rubbed her temples. He gently guided her to rest her head on his lap and started massaging her temples, his touch careful and warm.

Lydia let out a soft sigh and nodded. "That feels really good."

Connor grinned. "You know you're exhausted, but you still insist on handling everything yourself?"

He honestly didn't know how someone as petite as her managed to juggle so many responsibilities.

Lydia thought for a moment. They kind of forced me into it. Wasn't really my choice."

That's why she hardly ever showed up at the oversight department. When they needed her, she'd be there. Otherwise, she kept her distance.

Connor didn't ask who she meant by "they." There would be time to figure everything out. He was in no rush.

Back at the Norwood house, Lucinda was in the kitchen again that evening, learning a few dishes from the chef. When Kylie saw the brister on Lucinda's finger from a burn, her heart softened.

"Lucinda, you don't need to do all this anymore," Kylie said, her voice gentle. "It's enough just to take care of yourself.

Lucinda hid her hand behind her

back and shook her head. "I'm okay, Mom. I just want to do something for everyone. It's only dinner. If I'm away at school for a week at a time, there's no way to show you how much I care."

Kylie let out a soft sigh. "Lucinda, I'm just glad you can see where you went wrong. That makes me really happy."

"Mom, it was all my fault before. I was too selfish and didn't get what you and everyone else were trying t? do for me. Now I just hope... my! sister can forgive me, and still See

down, her expression full of regret.

me as family." Lucinda foot

Kylie patted her on the shoulder gently. "Your sister's still upset right now. Give her some time. Once she cools off, she'll see you've changed."

Lucinda quietly clenched her fists and nodded, trying her best to look obedient. "I will, Mom. I'll make sure she sees how I've changed."

Blake and Elliot were both stuck at work and hadn't come home. Kylie checked the time and started calling them one by one.

Blake, when are you coming home? Lucinda cooked dinner herself. We're all waiting for you to eat together."

Blake was actually planning to come back, but as soon as he heard that, he changed his mind on the spot. "Mom, I have a client meeting later. I won't make it for dinner."

"Oh, okay. That's fine."

Kylie hung up and called Elliot.

"Elliot, when are you coming home? Lucinda made a ton of great food. We're just waiting for you now."

Elliot cleared his throat, obviously making something up. "Mom, I'm still at rehearsal.

I won't be home tonight. You guys go ahead and eat. Love you."

Well, their sister had already said she wouldn't forgive Lucinda, so there was no way Blake or Elliot would eat anything Lucinda made.