chapter96

Kylie nodded, giving in. "Alright. Just hang in there a bit longer. Grandpa Samuel and the others are downstairs, they'll be up any minute."

"Okay."

The elevator chimed and out stepped Mr. Jefferson with his three grandsons, all loaded down with fancy gift bags that looked like they belonged in a luxury boutique.

Kylie hurried over to greet them. "Thank you for the gifts.

Mr. Jefferson waved it off. "The boys want to show a little appreciation."

Grandpa Samuel. Lucinda slipped up next to him, wrapping her arm softly around his. She looked up at him with her best sweet-girl smile, but her gaze kept drifting over to Connor, who stood a little apart, tall and cool and so heartbreakingly handsome. Her heart thudded so hard she thought it might burst. Her cheeks felt hot.

Was Connor sneaking glances her way? Did he think her yellow dress was cute?

Connor, for his part, just found the dress way too bright for a hospital. His eyes were sensitive, and he didn't like colors that loud.

Mr. Jefferson smiled at Lucinda, giving her arm a gentle pat. He moved forward, then paused, glancing around. "Where's Lydia?"

Kylie quickly explained, Lydia's still at the office working overtime. She should be here soon."

Mr. Jefferson let out a little sigh. "Why is she working during the holidays? She should be taking it easy, not running herself ragged."

Kylie tried to reassure him. We don't want her to be so busy either, but she's really into designing clothes lately. So we gave her a little company to play around with."

Mr. Jefferson's eyes lit up. "She can design clothes too? My future granddaughter- in-law really is gifted, isn't she?"

Kylie just smiled, not knowing about what had happened with Neil. She figured Mr. Jefferson was talking about Lydia's medical skills and her new interest in fashion. "She's a smart girl, that's for sure."

"Smart is good, smart is very good." Mr. Jefferson glanced at the room. "Has Wayne woken up? Let's go check on him."

"Of course."

Kylie led the group inside. Lucinda stood alone for a moment, feeling completely invisible. She clenched her fists, her lips pressed tight, her heart filled with jealousy.

Lydia. Always Lydia.

Ever since Lydia came back, Grandpa Samuel barely spoke to her anymore. He used to spoil her. Now, she didn't even get a second look. Why? And Connor... Why couldn't he look at her just a little longer? Didn't he realize she'd been watching him all this time?

Mr. Norwood had only just woken up. He looked pale and fragile, barely able to get out more than a couple words at a time. But when Mr. Jefferson and the grandsons showed up, he managed a faint smile.

"Wayne..."

Mr. Jefferson hurried over. "Alright, alright. We heard you just woke up. Take it easy."

He looked at Cameron and Kylie, worry creasing his brow. "What on earth did he have to end up like this? You told me he was in critical condition. It scared the life out of me."

Mr. Jefferson only knew Wayne had taken too many supplements. He just figured Wayne had made a mistake. No one had told him it was Lucinda who gave them to him.

Cameron and Kylie hesitated, unsure what to say.

Before they could answer, Lucinda stepped out, her eyes already brimming with tears. Grandpa Samuel, it's all my fault. I just wanted to help Grandpa feel better,

so I bought him some supplements... I didn't realize they'd be too strong. Instead of helping, they made things worse..."