chapter912

Lucinda's face went stiff, her cheerful mask threatening to shatter.

Lydia, that snake!

Was she trying to embarrass her on purpose?

Connor had been her fianc for eighteen years. Lydia had only just come back, yet suddenly everyone was acting like she belonged here.

Lucinda forced a bright smile. Well, you're not married yet. I'm waiting for the big day before I start calling him that. Connor will owe me a proper gift when the time comes." She made sure to say Connor's name loud and clear, like she wanted everyone to hear it.

She was basically saying Lydia's spot in the Jefferson family wasn't guaranteed.

Garrett frowned a little and looked right at her. "Lucinda, Connor and Lydia are engaged and things are going well between them. To keep things clear, you should call him your brother-in-law."

Kylie nodded, still smiling. "Yeah, Lucinda, that's what Connor said last time when you brought Caspian home. Let's just call him brother-in-law from now on."

Lucinda almost lost it right there.

They were so unfair!

She put on a pitiful face. I know, I was just joking with Lydia."

Garrett gave her a look, his voice calm but meaningful. "Lucinda, not everything is as simple as you think. Let's just eat."

He thought about everything Lydia had been doing lately. She'd been searching for rare herbs, making antidotes, helping people who'd gotten sick, even risking her own safety to uncover a traitor. All that, just to keep everyone safe. Meanwhile, Lucinda lived in comfort, always scheming and worrying about herself. Garrett couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Why couldn't Lucinda learn from Lydia for once?

Lucinda's eyes went red and shiny, her head dropping as if she'd just been terribly wronged. "I get it. I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have upset my sister."

"I'm done," Lydia said, setting down her chopsticks and standing up to head upstairs.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Kylie and Cameron glanced at each other, worried for Lydia.

"Lydia has that academic competition tomorrow. Let her get some rest," Garrett reminded them.

"Oh, really? Can we go watch and cheer her on?" Cameron asked, perking up. Garrett shook his head. "Only students and faculty are allowed. No parents." Kylie's face fell. Oh, okay. Still, Lydia's so smart. She'll definitely win first place." "Definitely. Too bad we can't be there for her," Cameron said with a sigh.

Lucinda dug her nails into her palms, her expression turning cold and hard. Lydia this, Lydia that.

They only cared about Lydia now. She was in the competition too. Why didn't anyone want to cheer for her?

Mr. Norwood noticed Lucinda's mood and jumped in. "Lucinda, you're competing tomorrow too, right?"

Cameron and Kylie turned to her right away. "Lucinda, are you going to compete as well?"

Lucinda forced a small smile. "Yeah. All the freshmen can enter."

"You and your sister are in different subjects. You'll both win first

in your areas, I'm sure, Camere feel

said, letting out a big laugh content.

Lucinda was a math major. Everyone at school was talking about whether she or the

other math genius, Joshua, would take the top spot this year.

If you had other skills, like in arts or computer science, you could sign up for those,

too.

Lucinda was set on taking first place.

"Thank you, Dad. I won't let you down."

She was going to prove to everyone that she, Lucinda, was just as good as Lydia. Maybe even better.

Back in her room, Lucinda tore through her closet and jewelry box like a woman possessed.

Tomorrow, she'd make sure to outshine Lydia.

Everyone would see that Lucinda was number one.

Lydia was nothing but a country girl at heart.

The next morning, sunlight slipped through the sheer curtains, leaving delicate patterns on the floor.

Lydia stretched, climbed out of bed, and opened the curtains wide. The breeze carried a fresh scent of grass and trees, and the sky was a deep, perfect blue. It was the kind of morning that made you want to breathe in and start something new. C ntent

On her way downstairs, Lydia ran right into Lucinda.

Lucinda was dressed up like she was going to a ball.

She wore a pale pink chiffon dress covered in lace and embroidery. The puffy sleeves were cute and lively, and the layered skirt floated with every step she took.