Nathanâs perspective had struck a chord with her, prompting her to reconsider the broader impact of her decisions.
After a brief pause, Lucinda suddenly understood what Nathan meant.
âSo, are you saying that if I want to spare Violeta from suffering with Graham, I should forgive him?â she questioned, her tone reflecting her newfound understanding.
Nathan, steering with one hand, focused on the road ahead, and with a gentle smile, he said, âYou now understand me Lucinda, you always do.
â
Lucindaâs expression turned somber, âI was serious about cutting ties with Graham.
If Luck hadnât been on my side, Valerie couldâve nearly killed me several times.
And yet, my own brother defends an illegitimate daughter like Valerie.
Thatâs disappointing.
â
Nathan sighed, âAt the end of the day, it seems as though youâre just angry and not ready to forgive.
â
Lucinda didnât retort, gazing out the window at the street lamps.
âI need to find out if Nala is Valerie or not.
Violeta will have to endure a few more days.
Iâm sure the truth will come out soon.
â
Nathan could not speak any further.
He drove back to N&L Fairy Land, where they eventually drifted off to sleep in each otherâs arms.
Over the next two days, there was still no unusual news from Peace Mountain.
Lucindaâs phone rang.
Gilbert was calling with an update.
âMiss Simmons, no one has been near the ancestral temple lately.
Mr.
Simmons has suffered a lot over the last two days.
His legs are badly injured, and he can barely speak due to his hoarse voice.
This punishment seems excessively harshâ¦â
Lucinda interjected, âInstruct him to copy the scripture until itâs done.
I donât care whether his voice is hoarse or not.
â
Gilbert, concerned for Graham, suggested, âWhat if we have Mr.
Simmons kneel on a cushion? The floor of the ancestral temple is icy, and it has aggravated his knee injuries.
â
Lucinda knew showing leniency might betray her intention to Nala.
All the suffering Graham went through would be for nothing.
Steeling herself, she reminded herself that she no longer could treat Graham as her elder brother.
To her, he was just the eldest son of the Simmons family.
There was no way she could treat him with leniency.
âJust follow my instructions.
As long as he remains conscious, proceed as planned.
No need to keep me updated unnecessarily.
â
With determination, she ended the call.
In the afternoon, she visited the game clubâs base.
Noelle had been on duty for two consecutive days, and Lucinda wanted to check in.
Upon arrival, she found Noelle engrossed in conversation with another seasoned team manager, jotting down notes.
After a short moment, she addressed Noelle, âHowâs it going? Settling in?â
Noelle responded candidly, âI love this job.
Seeing the contestants succeed is rewarding.
Even when they face setbacks, I learn alongside them.
Iâm getting used to it, except for Cyrus tutoring me for the postgraduate entrance exam in the evenings.
â
Lucinda chuckled, âNot a fan of Cyrusâ teaching style?â
Noelle pouted, airing her grievances, âCyrus is strict with me.
Every night, I have to pile on homework and quizzes.
Whenever I slip up, thereâs punishment.
Growing up in a welfare house in Forden, no oneâs ever been this strict with me.
â
Lucinda affectionately ruffled Noelleâs hair.
âIsnât that a good thing? Youâve found a boyfriend who cares for you like a father.
You should secretly cherish experiencing the paternal love youâve missed out on.
â