Lucinda’s heart filled with sarcasm.


    She tightened her grip on the doorknob and replied, “You do care for her, don’t you? Even after I presented her crimes before you, you still plead on her behalf.


    ”


    Lowering his head, Graham suppressed his guilt and said with teary eyes, “Her mother saved my life during a military mission.


    Her mother died because of me.


    I made a promise to take care of Valerie and protect her for the rest of my life.


    Dad made the same promise.


    He felt indebted to her.


    Later, she lost her mother because of me, so we felt we owed her.


    Atticus was a good father, kind and caring towards his children, but he wasn’t a good husband.


    He had loved three women in his life.


    Graham sighed, his voice choked with emotion.


    “Lucinda, please spare her this time.


    ”


    Lucinda’s heart skipped a beat, and she trembled uncontrobly.


    Graham had always been the person she admired the most.


    When she made mistakes, he would reprimand her, only to be filled with distress and guilt afterward.


    He had always wanted to protect and love her for the rest of his life, like a strict yet affectionate parent figure.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    But today, for the first time, Graham begged her for Valerie’s sake.


    Wearing a sarcastic smile, Lucinda dered, “I don’t want to hear another word from you.


    From now on, I have only two brothers: Hilliard and Cyrus.


    As for you, you died in my heart when I was fifteen years old.


    ”


    With that, she opened the door and left without looking back.


    She left Graham alone, filled with disappointment and sadness, as he gazed at her empty room.


    After Lucinda exited her room, Nathan awaited her on the staircase.


    Witnessing the tears in her eyes and on her face, he felt a profound sorrow but remained silent, opening his arms to her.


    Lucinda walked towards him, wrapping her arms around his waist and seeking sce in his embrace.


    Listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, she felt safe and at peace.


    Gradually, her emotions began to calm.


    Nathan held her tightly, gently patting her back.


    His captivating voice reached her ears.


    “Are you exhausted? If you’re feeling unwell, let’s just go home.


    ”


    Lucinda shook her head, declining his offer.


    She didn’t want to go back just yet, as she hadn’t dealt with Florrie and Valerie.


    Nathan understood her thoughts and stopped persuading her.


    Holding her hand, he descended the stairs with her.


    On the ground floor, Violeta stood with tears in her eyes.


    Evidently, she had also been crying.