Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 643

After dinner, Lucinda gently helped her grandfather back to his room, then poured him a glass of warm milk. She handed it over with a quiet smile, but her heart felt heavy.

Mr. Norwood could see how much Lucinda had been struggling lately. He knew the truth that hurt her most couldn’t be changed. She wasn’t a Norwood by blood. That single fact meant she had to put up with so much, and it broke his heart. Most of the time, though, he didn’t know how to help. He couldn’t just ask Lydia to leave. That wouldn’t be right.

“Lucinda, you haven’t seemed very happy lately,” he said softly. “If you’re getting tired of being cooped up at home, maybe you could go out with your friends before school starts, just to clear your head.”

In the past, Lucinda would have already packed her bags and gone off on some adventure with her friends as soon as summer break began. But this year, she had barely left the house. Her thoughts weighed her down, and Mr. Norwood hoped that a little time away might help her sort things out.

Lucinda felt her nose sting as tears threatened to fall. “Grandpa, do you think I don’t belong here anymore too?”

Mr. Norwood was caught off guard. He reached out quickly, his voice full of regret. “No, Lucinda, not at all. I’m sorry, did I say something wrong? I never meant to make you feel that way. I just noticed you weren’t happy and thought maybe some time out with your friends would cheer you up. That’s all, really.”

Lucinda looked down, her voice small and hurt. “I used to be selfish, always running off the moment break started. But this summer, you haven’t been feeling well, and I wanted to stay home and spend time with you. Who knows if I’ll have another chance like this…”

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